Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech The Problem

Well the intermintent problem finally became very apparent. And myself and my dealer couldn't be happier! A few days ago my TBA ran for about two minutes and then just died. Has not started since. I brought it back to the dealer and they ran a few tests. There was no spark going to either cylinder. She'd turn over, and chug away trying to start, but there was no spark to ignite. This was the problem that has been happening since early on, but we just couldn't get it to replicate when at the shop.

The course of action, if I remember correctly, is to replace the computer, the ignitor box, coils, and something else. The question now is whether we just had a bad computer, or if the shorted out computer is a symptom of a deeper electrical problem. The good news is that the problem reared it's ugly head with less than 50 miles on the bike. If there is a deeper problem with the electrical system, it should show itself pretty quickly and we'll know where to start!

I post this because several people have had similar intermitent problems like the one I have had. Mine has turned out to be electrical, not a vent hose, the coils, the carbs, jets, fuel filter, or petcock. If your having problems like mine, see if it's possible to make sure that the computer is functioning properly. Like someone said, "It's either fuel or spark".

I'll keep you updated with the results of the repair and any more detailed information that I get and try to help someone else from this grueling diagnosis.

That's great news. I'm glad to hear they finally almost might sort of have it narrowed down to electrics. Hopefully you'll soon be riding along with the same feces eating grin we all have permenantly locked onto our faces.

in behind the right hand engine cover is what we in new zealand call the pickup it has something to do with the spark ,my friends 04 speedmaster had a intermittent problem same symptoms as yours,and like yours when it got to the shop everything worked fine they checked this picup and it seemed fine but it stopped running completely one day,and thats all it was a nice easy fix but he was without his bike on and off for about 6 weeks

Yeah, I've been without my bike on and off now for about, three months (since I bought it). I'm really looking forward to getting to ride again.

Yeah Tom,
I am really glad. I've been worried about you and your bike. I've got 35,000 trouble free miles in the past three years, and I am ecstatic that you are going to join me in due time. I lied, I have had to replace tires, chain, brake pads and oil. But other than that, my '02 TBA is light years ahead of Brits and HDs I've owned in the past. Oh Yes!
Gasoline, I can't seem to keep gasoline in my bike! I wonder????
Dennis
p.s. I don't care now what your problem was, as long as it's fixed. Just don't give up (unless your dealer gives you a new bike, then you can give in a little).

computer??? what computer??

Newt, it's right behind the Kanewton Valve to the right of the snatchbox, below the kerplikity pin. Duh! :-)

Tom,

Glad to hear your getting the problem resolved. Hope you get to ride soon and often. Heck, you can even rub it in to us snowbirds - just so you're back on one of the best ever built.....

Yeah nobody told me I had a computer on my bike!! does it play games?

Quote:

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That 'puter is right around 6 bills now.

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OK, QUICKLY NOW! Somebody work up a way to put a real ignition system on this engine! Only cost me about $60 to convert the piglet to breaker points. Points and condensor only cost around $6 for a set that lasts maybe 3 - 5 years.

That's some interesting stuff. Does anyone know if 666 got the problem ironed out?

I haven't got my bike back yet, hopefully this weekend. At least I know that there was no spark, which was what was killing mine. Again, just hoping it was a bad box so it can all be over and I can start riding instead of trailering! If it goes down again, I would think there is an issue with the wiring causing it to short out. I guess one of the worst things about it is that even with the AI removed, it caused my headers to BLUE! Bike looks like crap with those blued out things. Hoping the blue away will work!

Back in the day my old man had an issue like this on a Sweet Trans-Am he bought. But instead of not firing, when it got warm it would open the throttle. My sis got in huge trouble for burning rubber in the neighborhood b/c the old man didn't believe her that it was the car. The next day he completely burnt out the brakes when that big ole V8 was redlining and he tried to get it to the shop!

Hi... I have an '02 standard Bonne that also had (1 1/2 years ago) an intermittent no spark/no start condition. Towed it to the dealer when (luckily) it was happening. It turned out to be an out of adjustment (from the factory) pick up coil. The pick up coil is located behind the R/S engine side cover. I'm a regular on a different, very well looked at forum (Delphi New Triumph Bonneville). Nobody else except me and you have had this intermittent no spark thing....Lucky us.....Good luck to you

yep my friend here in new zealand just had the pickup coil replaced under warranty on his 04 had the exact same symptoms as you guys,intermittent until it finally says enough

Yeah, that's the kind of luck that I have! Hopefully with the coils, box, and ignitor replaced I'll be in good shape.

Okay, well I must be nuts! I picked up my bike on Saturday. They replaced the CPU, CPI, Black Box, Computer thingy, whatever it's called and said everything seemed to be working just fine. I rode her home Saturday without I hitch. Couldn't get back on her until Monday late afternoon.

After a half a day of thunderstorms I got out on the road and was having a great ride. Then as they tend to do, the clouds rolled in really fast and I was caught in a pretty good rain. And here's where I must be nuts. WHAT A BLAST! Maybe it was the joy of riding my bike without a breakdown, maybe it was because it was 70 degrees in February and the rain felt kind of good. Maybe it was just that I'm nuts, but it was great!

Put a few miles on her, stopped off for a few errands, and she started back up!!!! A first for me.

I can't say that I have total confidence in her yet. I guess the sound of that starter just brings up too many memories of being stranded on the side of the road without only the sound of that screetching starter to keep me company. But man, that was the first time I've been able to ride her without the thought of breakdown completely on my mind and I really enjoyed it. Diving into turns like most cruisers could only dream! Even got her out on the interstate for the first time. She wasn't as stable as I would have liked, but not overly nerve racking! I suppose there are some trade offs to agility.

God willing, I'll be up and running for a while. Please keep your collective fingers crossed for me and once I get passed 200-300 miles post-repair work, I'll finally feel comfortable enough to start dumping some customizing money into her!

Alright Tom! Glad to hear your bike looks fixed. Once you make some longer trips into the countryside you'll lose that dreaded breakdown feeling. Keep us posted on how she's running.

I think once you wear through that first set of Bridgestones and put on some Avons or Metzlers, you'll find the ride more stable.

Thanks Sal, I was thinking it was probably the tires. More of a tracking sensation than unstable. I'm just psyched to put some new bars, grips, and paint on her!