Another 650 not starting; please advise!

I've had my xj650 Maxim for 5 and a half years now and it's always been dependable. Recently I tried to start it, though, and it just wouldn't. The starter comes on and everything sounds normal but the engine won't engage. I usually let it sit a little while (a couple of weeks) in between rides so I'm used to having to charge up the battery or push start it to get it going initially but this time it's not even attempting to turn over. When I try to push start it I sometimes get a backfire (it didn't used to do that)l. I checked the fuel lines and everything seems to be okay there; as far as I can tell I'm not getting any spark. I replaced the spark plugs and the plug wires and looked for broken wires but still nothing. The only thing I did different than before recently was to switch to a heavier weight oil (I'd been using 10w 40 and finally switched to 20w 50) but the bike started after that. Help!

 

With the time between riding do you use a fuel stabilizer? And while I have not had any problems the ignition control boxes sometimes have issues. AHHHHHHHH, Hve you checked the spark with a timing light or even tried to ground the plug wire to see if it has spark? I have parked mine for six months with just stabilizer in the fuel and it started with just a few cranks.

 

I haven't been using stabilizer, no; I usually leave the fuel low and then replace most of it when I'm ready to start it again (I've had this bike for years and never had much problem getting it to start). I did try to ground the spark plug against the engine to check for a spark and I didn't get anything.

 

I think I would start by checking to see if the coils have power to them. if they do check the coils for resistance on both sides. I find it unlikely that both coils would go at the same time. It could be the ignition pickups on the left side under the engine cover. What year is your bike? Points or electronic? Ahhhh maybe one of you Wizards have a good idea. Sounds like spark to me.

 

You need to make sure you have a near fully charged battery or they will not start. That may be your problem. If not is is at least a place to start. How old is your battery? What kind of bike do you have?

You should go to your account page and enter the info on your profile information(signature section). It may help figure something out. you may also have some safety relay out or acting up.

 

Read the old posts

 

My bike is a 1982. The battery isn't very old, maybe six months, and it holds a charge. There have been some minor electrical issues through out the time I've had the bike (shorts and things) and I fear it might be something like that. I think I'm just going to have to take it into the shop; I don't have enough knowledge to fix it on my own and I don't have anyone where I live to help me with it.

 

Your quote:
‘I did try to ground the spark plug against the engine to check for a spark and I didn't get anything.’

That’s a good troubleshooting procedure.
No spark is a problem.
There is a fuse for the ignition. Check your fuses. Glass fuses can look good and still be open circuit .
Due to internal corrosion at the connections (hidden from view), glass fuse can be open sometimes and closed the next.
Put in a new ignition fuse.