Motorcycle Repair: 1983 Honda Shadow 750 starts w/ button only, honda shadow 750, 1983 honda shadow 750

Question
Hello Christopher,
I have a 1983 Honda Shadow 750 that will only run if the starter button is pushed and quits the second you let off the starter button. It ran fine last year but on startup this year after the winter it began doing this. Any ideas?
Thanks, Steve

Answer
Hi Steve.

It sounds as if you could have a couple of issues to check.

1) Fuel flow issue.  Make sure that the carbs are clean and the fuel is flowing when the engine is running.

2) Wiring issue in the ignition circuit.

3) Compression loss.

Start by pulling and properly cleaning the carbs.

Then check the ignition circuit for shorts and bad components.
 Test the spark by pulling one of the plugs and grounding it against the engine and starting the bike.  If you see a nice fat blue spark, then you are getting good spark.  Test each plug that way.

Check the cylinders for proper compression.

Let me know what you find.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON