TT, my learned friend. I can't believe this has turned into an argument over theory and reality, but that's exactly where we are, each taking opposite sides. And another surprise is that we agree on my earlier statement about the two not always jiving. ...
The problem arises when someone has converted to electronic ignition. This unit is at risk when jumping from a car.
I interpret this as a presented theory, with support for the theory as anecdotal evidence. Is this a fair assessment?
There are many theories that have proofs that make them reliable. Pythagorean's theorem, for example. So, not all theories are as meaningful as simple opinion.
Theories can be reliable if there is also a presentation of *why* the theory is credible.
So, I ask. Why is the electronic ignition at risk when jumping from a car? Please, please don't refer to voodoo as support for the theory.
The other weak point,IMHO, is the harness itself. As great as Honda is, I think they skimped and used a lighter gauge wire here.
It wasn't a weak point when new. As Hondaman has recently pointed out, Japanese engineers were very good at designing "just enough" for the task. Perhaps you call it skimped, but I'd bet there was nothing in the "design to" specifications to maintain peak performance after 30 years of weathering effects. And, there WAS a whole lot of direction to keep manufacturing and materials cost to an absolute minimum. This is why wire size is only adequate for the task, the connectors aren't of noble metals, and no attempt was made to make the electrical routing system hermetically sealed. All these items add significant cost to the machine, and only become a factor after 10-20 years, well beyond the original design life of the machine. Further, look at what to competition was at the time; LUCAS! #$%*ing and moaning about aged Honda electricals, is downright laughable when considering the competition! But, I digress.
Second, I also agree that people returning electronic parts(or any part for that matter) are lying SOBs. EVERY SINGLE ONE of them! But that's not what I was referring to. I'm talking about the guy who comes in and says "I don't know what happened. It was running fine last week. I came out and the battery was dead, so I tried to jump it with my car, and now there is no spark.". Now you may say that it was going to go anyway, but the fact that this exact scenario happens almost weekly (at least at a large dealership) has made me and many others at the dealership, think that jumping from a running car is the culprit.
Ok, so what part of your presented theory/opinion has not the primary element of fear to support its acceptance?
Usually to solve a problem, one first understands why a thing occurs and then take steps to circumvent the problem. Your only presented "why", seems to be the jump starting act itself. Which by virtue of the fact that it doesn't occur 100% of the time, must in fact be false.
One possible explanation is that the "jump starters" aren't using the battery terminals as connection points. But, rather frame components or other "convenient" connection points. This would bypass the natural damping of possible surges that MAY occur during the connection event by the battery itself. Perhaps the better approach is to determine how it was done. Which may hold the key as to why there was a problem.
So, it is clear that reverse polarity is what caused the original posters problem. And whether the car was running or not probably made no difference. On the issue of jumping, all I'm saying is why take the chance, even with no electronics on my bike? If your car battery can't start your bike without running, your car probably isn't going to start either. And if jumping the bike makes it so the car won't start later, your car still needs a new battery.
Well, then one has to wonder why we should chance riding a bike at all, since there is some risk of personal injury. Avoidance is surely the better solution, right?
The fact is, there is risk in everything. We manage risk, so as not to be governed by fear. Once we have knowledge about knives, we learn to grab them by the handle, rather than the pointy bit. Another approach might be to fear and avoid them. But, that seems to be avoiding a mighty useful tool. "Honey, call the chef, this piece of steak is too tough to break up with a spoon!"
Batteries wear out. Jump starting can get you going when it is weak, if only just long enough to get where a service can be performed, and can avoid towing damage. The lights can be left on (raising hand and looking guilty here). Jump starting gets me home to where the battery charger is.
There may be far more risk leaving the bike/car in it's current location overnight than performing a simple jump start.
I do not fear a jump start. I sorta fear mis-marked cables though.
Cheers,
