Thunderbird 900 Wont Start

Discussion in 'Technical Help' started by Stu9000, Oct 31, 2024.

  1. Stu9000

    Stu9000 Well-Known Member

    Nov 4, 2021
    163
    93
    South East.
    Hi,
    I took out the carbs when I had starting issues in the summer.
    It all went back together last week and started.
    Yippee I thought. I fixed it.

    So I replaced the stock handlebars. I didn't get a chance to test it again as I have been away for a few days.

    We got back today and the bike will not start.
    Not even a hint.

    I changed the plugs.
    Charged the battery.
    Checked for a spark.

    I measured the ohm resistance on the secondary windings.
    The middle coil is brand new and I got 10.88 k ohms on that one.
    The other two gave me 8.81 k ohm, which is a little low according to Haynes, but as they are both the same it seems not to be a smoking gun.

    I would be thinking Id messed up the carbs, but the bike started well after I reassembled it last week.
    When I turn the fuel tap on i can hear it gurgling into the carbs.

    Is there anything I could have done wrong in changing out the handlebars?

    The bike turns over, but just does not start.

    Maybe the kick stand sensor is busted..?
    I have not checked the wiring but the telescopic button looks ok. I will take a closer look at that tomorrow.

    This is incredibly frustrating. After weeks of work I thought I was getting my bike back.
    Any suggestions most welcome.
     
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  2. Boothman

    Boothman First Class Member

    Jul 26, 2023
    781
    500
    Wigan
    Kill switch would be my first port of call @Stu9000. It’s not going to be the kick stand or clutch IMHO as if they’re not made the engine wouldn’t turn over at all.
     
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  3. joe mc donald

    Subscriber

    Dec 26, 2014
    14,690
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    Check all the pipe work and carb rubbers. Make sure the jubilee clips are all tight. And yes the kill switch
     
  4. Stu9000

    Stu9000 Well-Known Member

    Nov 4, 2021
    163
    93
    South East.
    It was the kill switch. I'd over tightened it because the new bars don't have the little hole to stop the plastic housing from rotating. Rather than drill the metal I sanded down the gromett and put some tape around bars. Somehow this impeded the kill switch mechanism. It seemed to work fine from the outside but the connection was not being made. Thanks Boothman!
     
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  5. Stu9000

    Stu9000 Well-Known Member

    Nov 4, 2021
    163
    93
    South East.
    It was the kill switch. I'd over tightened it because the new bars don't have the little hole to stop the plastic housing from rotating. Rather than drill the metal I sanded down the gromett and put some tape around bars. Somehow this impeded the kill switch mechanism. It seemed to work fine from the outside but the connection was not being made. Thanks Boothman!
     
    • Like Like x 3
  6. Boothman

    Boothman First Class Member

    Jul 26, 2023
    781
    500
    Wigan
    Glad you are sorted and thanks for letting us know :cool:
     
  7. joe mc donald

    Subscriber

    Dec 26, 2014
    14,690
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    Same here @Stu9000 glad its all sorted.
     
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