hit bumps and bike cuts out

[Clutch]

Yeah, added Stabil to the tank and filled 'er up last year before winter. The backfiring has been associated with the whole cutting out. The backfires are because when the engine dies some unburned fuel makes its way to the mufflers and combusts there. No water in float bowl, I'm sure of that. I don't know anything about the Hall sensor so can't comment. I guess I'll have to do some reading about it.

I've been holding off with any long rides until I get it figured out. I make sure the wife is available to rescue me as well  

[raymr]

Make that 2 people with very similar problems. First time was on a bumpy road. The second time was later same day on a smooth road going 30-40. It was just like turning the key or the kill switch off for 10 seconds. This happened first time today, no other power issues before this.

[raymr]

As Monte suggests, I'll refresh the heat sink paste on the ignition module as the first order of business. I don't think it's ever been done.

[Clutch]

Here's an update. Yesterday I took apart and cleaned every electrical quick disconnect and fuse I could find and dabbed dialectric grease on them before reattaching. I took it out for a ride and the problem was nonexistent but for a hint of it at one point. I don't want to type too soon but I think we're on to something.

[raymr]

Do you have electronic ignition on your '81? If so did you recently replace the heat sink grease on the ignition module? Mine was a gummy varnish that probably insulated more than conducted. I cleaned it up today and put on some paste that I had left from working on a computer. Took it for a 2 hour ride and didn't miss a beat. I just read somewhere that it should be done every 2 years.  

[Clutch]

I will have to inspect the heat sink paste. I might be able to look at that tonight. I imagine it needs some attention because I've owned the bike for 6 years and haven't done anything with the ignition. Thanks for the heads up.

[Clutch]

Hey guys. Thanks for the help. I think the problem has been corrected. It was one of the electrical connections under the tank. I'm pretty sure it was the connection that goes into the ICU. I took the bike out a couple times this weekend and ran about 150 miles without any hints of a problem. What a relief to have a functioning bike again!

[Bob_Roller]

I don't know why it happens on these bikes and not others, but at least you found a problem .

As a matter of habit, when I do a fluid change on the bike when I'm on vacation in Oct-Nov, I go over all of the connections that are readily accessible, just to make sure it doesn't happen again .

I've even thought of getting heat shrink large enough to go over the connectors, so they absolutely will not come apart again !!!!!

[montmil]

... Check the Ignition Control Unit (ICU) wire plug-in and the transfer heat paste may need renewing where the ICU mounts to its heat sink. Both the dielectric grease and heat paste are available at the Shack...

At your convenience, email me a beer. [smiley=beerchug.gif]

Glad it was something simple. Usually is.

[Clutch]

Monte,

Here's several for you!  [smiley=beerchug.gif] [smiley=beerchug.gif] [smiley=beerchug.gif]

Since it's been soo dry all summer, I've been riding to work about 98% of the time and since I fixed the electrical connections I haven't had any problems at all with the engine cutting out!