Forum

[Alan R]

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 ?????????

[m1ks]

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?

[TimG]

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

[rustygman]

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.

[John J]

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

[Barry_Q]

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.

[PeteF]

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.

[grunda 12]

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

[Craig]

"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)

[Pale Rider]

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