Hi all thx for looking - Ive just had to be recovered back to home. Luckily my insurace had breakdown cover.
OK - Bike details - I have an old 2000 F4 - Import model with about 60k on clock.
Took out for ride today and she started 1st time BUT later during ride out she started stalling when clutchin at lights - i managed to keep the revs up and took her onto fast rd thinking i need to charge battery up abit.
Anyway i had to stop at lights and forgot to keep revs up and she stalled out on me. I tried starting her up and she wouldnt turn over even though the lights and dash seemed fine.
So pushed her to side of rd and called breakdown recovery. They turned up and he tested my battery which showed a full charge. He went to put jump leads on got a big sparking from the possitive terminal.
I havent got a clue when it comes to electrics so before i have to spend lots of money taking her to a garage, i though id ask here to just see if i can get an idea of what to check and possible fixes before having to spend money which i havent got.
Im thinking i somehow need to check the RR and the starter switch but thats all i can think of. really or maybe she shorting out somewhere. Thats the limit of my knowledge.
Please note the last few times ive been out on her she has sometimes struggled abit at idle and ive needed to give her more throtle (i just though it was slighly gummed up carbs) but other than that i think she is mechanically sound.
So if anyone has experienced this kind of problem and has any idea what to next i would be very grateful.
Cheers.

 

Do you have access to a multimeter ? We need some values to work with.
Have you checked your r/r wiring for any signs of a bad connection or heat damage ?

 

Hi Wes thx for reply - I have a neighbour whos good at electrics and ill try and get some voltages tomorrow. Ive not checked the RR yet but ill have a good luck look tomorrow.
Any idea where i would need to take voltage measuremets so i can come back with some more info? thx again.

 

Firstly check that wiring. I’m not familiar with your bike but get the seat and probably the right hand side panel below your seat off. Have a good look around checking for any damage to cables or plugs. Unplug the cables to your r/r and check for any heat damage. Whilst you have it disconnected check that there is no continuity between any of the yellow cables. If you do have continuity, there’s your issue. Prove both directions of this plug.
it would also be helpful to check your battery voltage. From ignition off value, to how far it drops during start up (if you can start it) and then your running voltage with lights on at about 2.5-3.5k rpm.
Let us know how you get on.
Best of luck mate.

 

1. You said stoplights. Is your fan on?
2. Do what others said. You should get a multimeter for the stuff that needs precise measurements, and one of those clear screwdriver shaped tools with a bulb inside and ground wire on its other end. This is for checking things like wiring connections.
3.Get a shop manual.
4. Improper clutch engagement could be stalling you. This could be a bent lever, cable bad, or cable play not right, toasted clutch or one going.
5. When I got my first f4, like you will be, I was amazed for such an old bike how many systems were on it to run properly.
6. A good owner will tell you, stalling at the lights on a f4 could be alot of things, far past electrical. Your being pointed this way first because you have an old bike known for bad electronics. Good luck dude.

 

Hi thanks for replys - Update my neighbour has had a quick look a reakons my battery is flat so ive got it on charge now (fingers crossed) - I asking about the sparking
when the recovery guy put his charger on it and he reakoned he had the leads the wrong way round which will cause sparks. Hope hes right and its just a low battery.
Will updated after a good charge. Cheers

 

You should still inspect your wiring. Your r/r is part of your charging system. If your charging system is not functioning correctly, charging the battery will not permanently solve this issue.
The initial diagnosis to pin point where your issue is still requires completing. It might not even be electrical but testing would prove things one way or another.
Best of luck mate.

 

Cheers Wes - Yeah im still gonna get it checked and try to find the problem - I gather that the RR is a weak point on these F4s.

 

Hi all - Managed to do some electrical checks today.
Battery at idle - 12.8
Goes upto 14.2 at about 3000 revs
Strangley its then starts to go DOWN as revs rise (dont think this normal) the manual said it should be 15.5v at 5000 revs - so this might be the problem.

Got access to the RR connector to do the tests from the manual - all were ok apart from the Green wire (Ground line) no continuity << IS this the problem????

Checked the fuses they all seemed ok

Cleaned battery terminals

Checked for loose wires all seemed ok

Took her out the other day after a full battery charge and she ran fine for 20mins BUT going about 35mph she just cut out for afew seconds - lost power to engine. She came alive again so i nursed her home keeping revs high at lights and junctions.

I cant really do much more diagnosis as i cant get front fairings off as i cant seem to undo the lower front v plastics (the screws just turn and dont do anything else).

Thinking of phoning around for quotes for electrical diagnosis and also get afew things done that im sure she needs. Valve clearance check - Carbs cleaned - new air filter and Radiator flush coolant change and new plugs.

 

The fairings your having trouble with, mine is a 2000f4(carb of course). They have two screws vertical, and on the other end a "bell type" nut that takes a wrench or socket. You undo from the top, and you will be able to get at your prob stuck washers that you currently cannot. Phillip's medium and maybe 6mm. So take all the black crap off, unbolt fairings, from top, and you'll get it. Then they are just simply fitted into each other after screws out. Done it a million times.
edit: I can give you pic if you like. And dont worry about the flimsy hanging from top fairings. They are tough.