GL1200 Question

[Scab]

I have an '85 GL1200A that has started giving me grief. On occasion, without any rhyme or reason, she quits running. While running, she just quits. All visible electrics work, but the engine will just spin and not run. Plugs are getting no fire when this occurs. Later, for no apparent reason, she will run again. I don't think it's a heat issue as sometimes she will not crank cold. Other times, yes.

Help.

 

[radman]

Ignitors - it has 2 (I think), rare for two to dump-you should get 2 cylinders hitting, so more likely the ignition pick-up. Classic symptoms are failure while hot, then fine when cold. Since it operates both ignitors, most likely candidate.

 

[Scab]

I was hoping you would chime in.

Is that the same thing Honda calls an ignition control unit?

You da man.

 

[radman]

There are ignition control units, and then there is a crank sensor that sends the signal to them (what used to be points) for timing the coils. This crank sensor is what I would first suspect (other than the obvious ignition switch, poor connection, etc) The crank sensor will kill the whole ignition/timing deal, while if one control/ignitor quit, 2 cylinders would still have spark, since Honda usually pairs cylinders on a controller. Without the crank sensor, nothing happens. A manual and a volt/ohm meter are needed here for diagnosis. It's that,or start throwin parts at it, none of which are cheap. I believe the crank sensor will have 2 elements, one for each controller, or it may use one element, and time everything from it. If one, thats probably your baby.

 

[Scab]

Preciate it. I'll dig up the manual and break out the multi-meter.

 

[jwit6]

GL1200s had an ignition switch recall. Symptoms as you describe.

See your dealer.

 

[madmike2]

How hard would it be to "temporarily bypass" the ignition switch and see if that is the problem?

 

[Scab]

For me? Well, if I had instructions, no problemo. I consider myself mechanically inclined, though not a mechanic. I can take anything apart and put most things back together. My weakness is electrical.

(I have never seen a real live electron so I'm still not convinced there is such a thing.)

edit: You know, this is what I love about this forum. It's not just the feej info, but the info on all things motorcycle. Thus, the secret of my success: It's not my intelligence, but my ability to associate with those smarter than myself. Thanks.