Have to share this story, makes me glad I chose Hondas to work on. Possibly good tip at the end, so if you don't feel like reading, read bottom
Ever have one of those bad days, but then is a really good day when you think about it? I think I have a new love for the awesome that my nighthawk already had! Something beyond just good maintenance and design.
So yesterday... we have had rain and flooding up here in the canadian prairies, which the states probably is getting too. I hadn't been out in a week, but canada day was just nice weather. How could I resist taking the ol girl out? Apparently she didnt want to go. I had been out for a few minutes and was about to turn into the park road (which really has no place to stop) when suddenly she shuts down. No lights, engine, starter, anything. Zero power. Fortunately, this was right before I made the turn when I came to stop in the turn lane.
Well, luck would have it, was a break in traffic, and was no issue getting off the street, and onto the cobblestone lined sidewalk. Out of the way of everything to give a roadside inspection. First thing naturally to check is battery and make sure cables are connected. While process of getting access, another bike pulls up and we are talking, he lends me some tools because I left my screwdriver at home. Wanted to peek fuses. I turn key back on so I can wiggle wires and check for blinks, but lights are back, bike starts! I thank the rider and then progress to my folks house for barbeque and to wash the bike before I take it back home.
So wash the bike, get it shiny while there, have dinner, then prep for an evening ride back to my house. Wouldn't start. No lights, everything dead! Well, is late so I park it off the street to swing by and work on the bike the next day. Next day comes, and I start my diagnosis. Ignition switch is good, it is getting conductivity to the fuse panel. Voltage across leads is no problem, I was having trouble finding the issue. Working my way back, I end up at the relay/fusible link. Hrm.... this is strange, some resistance across leads, well, maybe that is intentional. Will pull out the fuse link so I can test other things.
Fuse link comes out in two pieces, cracked in half right where the retaining plate is!
Woo hoo! I have a spare! Pull it out, It had corroded and cracked too! right at the edge of it's holder as well!
So this evening, I got a proper 30 amp blade style fuse holder, put on screw connection ends to it to replace the old style fuse link. Don't want to be stranded by having to find an odd fuse again.
Moral of the story is, my wonderful 1982 Nighthawk that was saved from a destiny of being parted out, I think was thanking me. I mean how many other vehicles will get you home with TWO broken fusible links? Tonight, after I parked "Tina", I had to give her a hug (>^.^)>
So, important tip. Check your fusible link! Mine still had conductivity, and it was just the corrosion keeping it connected. With the new fuse put in, the bike starts better, runs better, and idles better. It could be if your bike isn't running smooth, it could be like mine. The fusible link is putting resistance in the system!
