Electrical problem 1981 XJ650 Maxim

I've run into a problem where the bike is running and then the engine quits suddenly.
The second problem is that the starter also fails to engage when I try to restart. After a minute or two the starter will work, the bike will start and run, and then die again with the starter also failing to engage. No clicking sounds so I believe that rules out the solenoid.
The headlight & tail light will remain on, so it's not a total electrical failure. I've checked the fuses and they are all good.
What does the spark and the starter have in common that could be going bad? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Tony

 

Ignition power, so either through the ignition fuse, kill switch, or wiring.

Be sure the the fuse holder clips are not cracked or corroded, a common problem on these bikes

Use a DMM to check ignition power at the TCI

 

A mechanic I know suggested the engine quitting, as well as another problem with the RPM's not dropping on their own may be due to a faulty TCI / CDI module. From what I've seen on line these modules are out of production and getting scarce, and NOS are several hundred dollars. I'm reluctant to buy a used one on ebay, because you don't know what condition it is in. I don't want to trade one bad unit for another. Any suggestions on where to get replacement TCI / CDI modules that would work with these bikes?
Tony

 

If the bike dies, and then the starter doesn't seem to get power, the TCI is definitely not the place to start troubleshooting. Start with the things Rooster is describing above.

Sounds like you might be describing a hanging idle as another issue (rpms not dropping back down). Again, definitely not a TCI issue. Likely vacuum leak or carb adjustment.

When the bike dies, is it always at idle? Or will it die while in motion and under load? Just wondering if the dying could be a carb issue and the restart a separate starter circuit electrical issue.

Does your neutral light work? And the restart issue occurs whether in neutral or not?