OK, so it is not the ICM or the battery....

I am guessing the problem lies in the ignition coils or the spark generator.Will test those this weekend. I will also use the starting fluid trick and see I am pretty sure the carbs are clean as I have cleaned before and kept the bike running periodically.

Thanks

 

Do you have a copy of the F2 maintenance manual and Honda common service manual?

They have some very useful diagnostic procedures. If you need a copy send me your email and I will send them to you.

 

Yes, found it on-line. I tested the spark generator today and it looks to be the culprit. When replacing it, will I need any other parts or gaskets or can I reuse the old? Thanks

 

If you are very careful taking the cover off, you might be able to reuse the gasket.
But most of the the time they don't come off in one piece, so you'll have to order a new one.
A gasket is all you should need, beside a replacement spark timing pickup.

 

OK, so I misread the manual and tested the wrong side of the connector. Testing the proper side gives me 470 ohms which is within the factory specified range. Now I think the pulse generator is good. I guess the only thing left are the coils.

 

I doubt it's the coils. If the bike was running fine and the just quit, that doesn't sound like the coils. There are 2 and it's unlikely they would both fail at the exact same time.
I've also seen bike that kind of ran with one working coil. They didn't run well, but they did spin and fire.
You said you only get an occasional pop, that doesn't say coils to me.
Sure do an ohm check on them and check the spark at the plug.
But I'd be looking for something that would affect both of them if you are getting no spark.

 

Ok, I'm just going to throw this out. Does the exhaust smell like fuel.
My wild guess is it's a fuel problem. There should be a strong fuel smell at the exhaust.
You said the petcock diaphragm was new. Have you double check to make sure it's working when you crank.
I've seen new ones not work or get put together wrong and not work correctly.
Still seems like a fuel problem if you only get an occasional pop.

 

OK, so I added starting fluid to the carbs and it does not try to start. I did pull a plug out and I am getting no spark. I have not checked all 4 plugs just the first one I could take out. Could the spark generator be out even if it reads 470 ohms?

 

If you have access to an inductive timing light you can check spark just by getting to the wires.

 

Well, I'd pull the other 3 and see. 2 run off one coil and the other 2 off the other coil.
So you'll either get one that doesn't spark - bad plug maybe - this is unlikely in your case.
2 that don't spark - they will probably be on the same coil - this would indicate a bad coil, but at least then you know which coil to check.
4 that don't spark - then it's something that affects the ignition circuit - key switch, kill switch, ignition pickup, ecu, etc.

It's not the neutral safety or the kickstand since they both disable the starter.
If you have a wiring schematic, look at it and see what other components are in the ignition circuit and trace through it.

Yeah, its unlikely it would ohm correctly and not work. It's more likely that the ECU isn't sending or received the proper signal needed to trigger the coils.
Or there is a broken, loose or corroded wire connection somewhere. Or it's getting it at the wrong time - this is unlikely since the bike was running.