Help!
 

Just taken my X out for a spin after not using it for 6 weeks due to a back problem. All good for a few miles then it just died on me. Managed to start it again after a few minutes but only got into third before dying again. I checked the plug and managed to limp home but it was spluttering and backfiring it went for 30 seconds then stalled but would restart and then do the same again. I fitted a Kev mod about 25 miles ago. Could this be the problem? It also smelled a bit hot when I got home. Any ideas?

Hi I can't see a problem with the Kev Mod. unless it was fitted incorrectly, I would suspect after 6 weeks of inactivity that maybe moisture or dump have worked their way in some of the wiring loop usual suspects are those under the tank. Lift the tank and inspect wires and jumpers for corrosion. Any green growth that shouldn't be there should be brushed off with a wire brush, then rinse connections with WD40 allow to dry and start again. Meantime I am directing Kev to this thread as he can give you other pointers in relation to your issue.

Is the fuel mod fitted exactly as shown in the fitting instructions? You only cut one wire the Blue/Black you then connect each cut wire to either side of the connector block, one Blue/Black to one orange wire & the other Blue/Black wire to the other orange wire.

Is there any fault lamp on which would mean it has logged a fault code.

How old is the fuel in the tank.

I would spray some WD as mentioned, I would also check your side stand switch as it would display the same symptoms as described, hold the bike upright & spray some WD on the switch pin & move the side stand up & down.

Very similar thing happened to me a few weeks ago, except the bike didn't smell hot. Mine didn't have the Kev mod. Did all the checks the guys have mentioned but still had no joy. Problem was with the plug, couldn't see any problem but when I put a new one in she fired up and ran ok

Thanks for the quick response, I didn't mean to imply the Kev mod was at fault I think it's just coincidence. I have checked the wiring and all is ok. I know the mod is working as the improvement is huge. I think a new plug will be my first stop as the problem is spluttering and mis firing, I just wanted to check I hadn't done anything stupid. There are no warning lights or fault codes so I assume its nothing to major. Thanks for the advice, I'll let you know when I find the problem.

Let us know how you get on, also get some fresh fuel in your bike most fuels start to go off after 4 weeks in a tank.

I have tested the plug and it had an orange spark, so I just bought a new one and that also has an orange spark. The bike starts but I've not had a chance to warm it up properly yet. CDI ?

A reddish/orange spark is usually a sign of low HT voltage; quite often a sympton of poor grounding (earth) or a weak coil, but could be the HT lead, plug or plug cap.

Your old and new plugs could both be making an orange spark just because the point at which you are test earthing them is not great (paint, lacquer etc. getting in the way.)

Could be damp ? If its been outside getting wet ?
Try wd40 where the ht lead comes out the coil

Thanks for the excellent advice, just had a good thrash with a new plug and everything is fine. Think i'll carry a spare from now on.