Hitchcocks Forum

My Bullet 500 (Jan 1999) starts well and runs beautifully. However, when waiting in front of red lights, or in a traffic jams, the engine often stalls.
It always happens in the same way: all of a sudden the rpm goes slightly lower, there is a small misfire (fart) in the inlet, and the engine stalls.
I have the Boyer electronic ignition, a 190 watt alternator and regulator from Rex' Speed Shop.
Standard Mikcarb carburettor (slide with richer mix from our host) and conic air filter.
I also noticed that right before the stalling the amp meter is nearly halfway the left part. My idle is at approx 1000 rpm (judging by ear).
I suspect the regulator. The ammeter needle often "trembles" and randomly jumps from left to right. When riding at approx 75 kmph, the ammeter sometimes goes to the left. How is that possible with a 190 watt alternator when only the headlamp is on ?
Anyone who experienced the same, or has tips on how to troubleshoot this ?

Well, the ammeter dipping to the left does suggest a sudden increase in current draw. First thing that springs to mind is that could be caused by an intermittant short circuit. Second thing that springs to mind is that when stationary at the lights, you'd often be holding a brake on. So I'd check the wiring associated with the the brake lights first. Where the wiring goes into the back brake switch is one place I'd consider suspect. Where the wiring runs through and under the back mudguard is another point where it is highly succeptible to damage.



In fact, first thing I'd try is unplugging the snap connector to the rear sub-loom and see if the problem goes away, then plug it in again and see if it comes back. Be aware you will have no brake light or flashers when doing such an experiment so remember to use hand signals.



Just a guess mind.

19 year-old Indian wiring in a vulnerable position - what could possibly go wrong?



A.

In Norway we have to drive with the lights on all of the time.
If I switch off the headlight, the problem disappears.
If I switch on the park light, the problem does not reappear.
If I switch on the headlamp, the problem pops up again.

So, it sounds like your charging system is the only thing keeping your engine running.



Presuming you are running a battery, I'd gamble that your battery is past its sell-by date.



If you're not running a battery, you should know that Boyer electronic ignition systems are particularly volt sensitive - and I'd recommend a return to points.

@Count Johnny
that battery is two months old.
Yes, I noticed that the Boyer electronic ignition is very sensitive to voltage.
And I am really considering returning to points….

NicoV, I had three new batteries in a short period of time that failed within days. The motorcycle mechanic I use stopped stocking that make of battery.

Name and shame, papasmurf? ASBO 12 needs a new battery and I don't want it to need another one too soon afterwards!



@ Nico, the Boyer Bransden Mark 3 electronic ignition is notoriously unhappy with lower voltages, particularly at starting and goes full advance, which you do not want. The Pazon Surefire was designed by some ex-Boyer Bransden staff who wanted something more reliable at lower voltages, to which the response of their former colleagues was the Boyer Bransden Mark 4, also more tolerant of lower voltages, allegedly. There are some other makes out there, which is fitted to your Bullet?



A.

@Adrian, it is the Boyer Micro Digital electronic ignition.

Try a 27.5 idle jet had similar problem with 1995 bullet, made a big difference sorry should be pilot jet cheap fix.