Katana Owners Club U.K.

Hi Lads,

It is a desperate situation to me, about 2 month ago now I had to stop using bike daily as it was not reliable. She was not starting very well.

So I got her in the garage and decide let's give her a look over, I change:

- Change spark plugs
- Charge the battery
- Change the HT (Cause of the issue)

So I was able to use it daily again.

2 weeks after that I need new tyres, so ordered them and store the bike in the garage.
Got myself 3 bad freight because of the tyre grip. So I decide let's fit the tyre then.

Also decided I will order a CDI, to got the problem finally sorted.

I fit the tyres 3 weeks ago, and the CDI last night, but no fucking luck she won't start.
It is not fucking catching.

I try few time with the new CDI as it was having no good effect, I put the old one and try few times, and I got a massive back fire.

Them I thought something was damage as even when I was pressing the button nothing was happening anymore. The starter was not turning.
After about 10 min the starter was turning again but she still won't fucking catch.

Does anybody had any idea what to do ? I really miss my bike at this stage.

I am desperate to fix it.

As you are aware this is a perineal 400 problem, they just don't like being left.

Both Jimmy400 and I had similar issues that changing the coils helped with (mainly the left one)'
Deeds had a similar issue resolved by disconnecting the side stand cut out switch, and joing wires to complete the circuit.

Take the plugs out and heat them up on the gas cooker ring until hot, whilst plugs are out spin the engine over with the coil or cdi disconnected to get rid of all the unburnt fuel you have pumped into the engine and possibly the exhaust. Re-fit hot plugs, and re-connect coils / cdi and then try and start bike.................

Have you got a spark?????

Ok right guys, Thanks a million.

Sorry I have not been responding early but god the week was epic.

Anyway I need to put her back on the road for sure, as I need to move place in 3 weeks time so no time for messing up.

In the next 3 days I plan to sort her out.

The last time I used it was on the january on the 25th or so.

Just took her of the road for changing the tyre so it must not be that bad.

Since begin of January the neutral light does not come on anymore so it might be part of the problem.
When the side stand is open and the bike in neutral I am not getting anything when I press the button so it could well play off.

I will start by the start and check the spark, with a spark tester. Then I will mesure the output of the coil, and so on....


I am going to fix that thing, I am using the cage for work and I don't like it.!!!

OK
I presume that your bike has a side stand switch and a clutch lever switch.
These are normally part of the same wiring circuit as the neutral light switch.

The whole point of this is to stop you riding off with your side stand down. When you pull in the clutch and put it in gear, the bike will cut out if you have the side stand down and try to ride off.

If one of the three switches are defective the bike will not start.

If your neutral light is not working, the bike thinks it is in gear.

the most likely culprit is the side stand switch, as It gets the worst of the weather.

Next the clutch switch.


Hope this helps.

No clutch switch on the 400 so if it ain't there don't go looking for it but side stand switch is easily disconnected.

Have you got a spark?..................

I'm a here!

Sorry lads, I have not gone back about the bike since I asked.
I am mad under pressure from everything I struggle to keep up at the minute.

Anyway I manage to have a look at the bike, so here is my finding.

I measure the 2 coil :

- coil1 (cylinder 1 and 4) : 35K Ohm
- coil2 (cylinder 2 and 3) : 35K Ohm

by taking them out I discover one of the HT lead was not properly fitted so I refitted it.

then I tried again, and realise that actually something is seriously wrong as the sparks are going through the gap and sparking against the head.

I also check there is spark on the 4 cylinder.


Any idea what could go wrong ?

If I disconnect the side stand switch, would it be ok or do I need to close the circuit some how ?

Hi Arnaud

if the spark is jumping across from the cap to the head, then you must have a crack in the cap. stick another one on and see.

The sidestand switch - just join the 2 wires together and tuck away the wire.

Good luck

Pete