Hitchcocks Forum

Here's one, only in reverse as it were. This evening my mate Tim ( on his "just bought" Kawasaki Drifter 800)and I were on our way along the A41 to the regular Thursday "Bikers Bash" at Lynne's Raven Cafe', Prees Heath, Shropshire ( Luvlee jugs---of tea!!). I was at a nice 60 mph with every thing just running sweetly when,with no pre-warning there came two loud bangs from the exhast and the engine just cut out. I free-wheeled into a lay-by and did some tests using the contents of my basic tool kit. What tests did I do and what did I eventually do ?? This is not for you regular technical "Agony Aunts" who normally supply the answers but the average owner out there. Imagine it was you --------------- You can ask me questions but lets make it as realistic as possible. Anyone game ?????????

OK, i'll start.

you opened your toolbox, realised you'd left your tool roll at home, sank to your knees in despair and after saying a prayer to the god of laybys and miraculous self fixing problems began to weep inconsolably whilst creating new and unheard of cusswords?

Do I get a prize?

OK, am setting myself up for ridicule here...

First I would check that there was still fuel flowing, loud bangs from the exhaust are not unknown just prior to running out of fuel. At the same time I would check it still kicked over...

Next, haul out the plug to check sparks (a rapidly fading ignition system could cause this). Then if no sparks would check the points/coil. All doable with a battery and light and basic tools.

If this all failed (or if you have electronic ignition), out comes the BlackBerry and I phone recovery.

Cheers

Tim (the Wimp) G

Well I know what i would do. Swear, roll a cigarette (to give clear thinking time) and question my sanity as to why i wasn't riding a honda.

Buy a washing machine. That seems to be the answere to eveything

I'm going to cite what some people said in the "What's in your toolbox?" thread. Take out mobile phone and call the AA.

First check, if it was me, would be the kill switch (I've been caught by that before) Then usual checks if any engine stops - check fuel getting through, check spark. Obviously find out why if either is missing. If both are present check timing is something like (points plate not slipped etc - I've had that one as well) It's usually spark or fuel in, I would say, more than 90% of problems.

think i,ve got the prize alan,in a paul calf voice utter the imortal words "bag o shite" then walk to the nearest boozer ,meanwhile the bike gets knicked problem solve ,to anyone who doesn,t know paul calf was a character played by steve coogan

"You did all of the above tests, A Lot of swearing,Went for a pint..Then found out you have Just ran out of Petrol so a Turn to RES, a Few Kicks & away"....... IMHO ;0)

How about pushing it...........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upYqSOC2DOE