Sparratic power loss

[qwqb]

So here's the situation, when riding my bike, it is unpredictable whether I will have full power, or half-ish power. Sometimes my bike will roar through the rpm range like it should, but other times, and more often than not, it will kind of stutter/sputter through the rpms, popping as it goes.

The reason I'm blaming this on an electrical problem is that sometimes it runs just fine. Even sometimes in the middle of a ride it will switch from sputtering to running perfectly.

I'm wondering what electrical connections I should be checking that could cause this, because clearly something is loose or making bad connection. I've recently changed my plugs and trimmed my plug wires and reattached the caps. Also, I could take a video if you think it could help with the diagnosis.

Thanks guys

[Big T]

Well, you should be checking and cleaning all the electrical connections on your bike

I'd start at the fuse panel

[chuck hahn]

I just experienced the same basic thing on my way back from meeting Simon and Deb this weekend on my 78 1000.. Was cruising along and suddenly for a few seconds the engine would cut out then come right back to full power. Did this maybe 6 or 8 times. I am currently tearing her down for a complete facelift this winter and did see a few connections in the wiring harness that were a bit calcified. I will be cleaning every connector and a good dose of dielectric grease as well. Hope this will solve any furhter symptoms. Rustybronco also suggested that maybe the petcock is beginning to fail too...

[tom203]

I just experienced the same basic thing on my way back from meeting Simon and Deb this weekend on my 78 1000.. Was cruising along and suddenly for a few seconds the engine would cut out then come right back to full power. Did this maybe 6 or 8 times. I am currently tearing her down for a complete facelift this winter and did see a few connections in the wiring harness that were a bit calcified. I will be cleaning every connector and a good dose of dielectric grease as well. Hope this will solve any furhter symptoms. Rustybronco also suggested that maybe the petcock is beginning to fail too...

If I hadn't read this reply, I'd be blaming the petcock for sporadic fuel delivery; but poor electric connections are also suspect.

[Steve]

I just experienced the same basic thing on my way back from meeting Simon and Deb this weekend on my 78 1000.. Was cruising along and suddenly for a few seconds the engine would cut out then come right back to full power. Did this maybe 6 or 8 times. ...

Chuck, did you park your bike next to Simon's?

That's kinda what his did on the Roo Rally Ride.

Maybe it's contagious.

.

[chuck hahn]

Actually i parked ahead and to the left of him..theres a pic in the thread by Steve Conlin i think while we were in Rustybroncos driveway. I think it is the crusty connections i found causing a few electrical gremlins..

[qwqb]

Alright guys how about this - what connections should I be checking if at sometimes my spark is fine, and other times there is no spark on all 4? the igniter is new. lines from igniter to coils have been checked for continuity. does that only leave the lines from the signal gen to the igniter? what else might cause this?

[Big T]

Coil wires?

Spark plug caps?

[qwqb]

I wouldnt blame plug caps because it is highly unlikely that all 4 quit working and start working over and over all at the same time. its an all or nothing deal with the spark. either all 4 are firing or none are firing, and its just a day to day issue.