Honda Nighthawk finally broke down on my after 5 years 55k miles

[Jcota750]

Took an hour ride the other day and parked her at my place went to take her back out and died on me after about 10-15mins. Would only crank again after leaving it to sit for about 10mins and the cycle would repeat. Seemed like only 2 pistons were running sometimes I am assuming I need to replace my ignition coils. Am I on the right track or do I need to check anything else? What brand of coil would you recommend?

[Jcota750]

Forgot to mention this is a 91' 750

[Bob H]

I am assuming I need to replace my ignition coils. Am I on the right track or do I need to check anything else?

Do you have a good manual?
If not, check out this thread
https://nighthawkforums.com/index.php?topic=126.msg928#msg928

Do you have a spark tester? Not expensive.
You need to be 100% certain that your battery is strong, connections cleaned and resecured before going deeper.

[Jcota750]

I have the blue manual and I will look into a spark tester thank you. Connection are great on the battery and great power battery less than a year old AGM. Starter turns without issue I believe I am not getting spark.

[Bob H]

I have the blue manual ...

Me too - and it is not worth the paper it is printed on.

I got the Clymer used on Ebay, and right now it has dozen's of postits from where I have changed fork seals, clutch, steering bearings, what sequence when pull  wheels for service - that manual rocks.

the "Black" OEM manual (like a 2nd edition) can be found on the internet, I paid for mine (not a lot).
I got it to get 2nd opinion on some challenging repairs. In the end I really didn't need it (beyond the Clymer) but I can say that if you are in a hurry there is nothing wrong with getting an instant digital copy of the updated OEM manual.

[mollusc]

Tracking ignition issues is usually a process of elimination.  Swap known-good parts with suspect parts and see if the issue follows (e.g. change your coils so that they fire the opposite set of cylinders and see if the same cylinders stay cold or if the problem shifts to the coils that the suspect coil is now firing).

[Jcota750]

Where can I find a link to the black manual?

[Jcota750]

Tracking ignition issues is usually a process of elimination.  Swap known-good parts with suspect parts and see if the issue follows (e.g. change your coils so that they fire the opposite set of cylinders and see if the same cylinders stay cold or if the problem shifts to the coils that the suspect coil is now firing).

Good idea I will keep y'all updated. I going to go ahead and change out the coil mostly due to age anyways what brand would you recommend I see the Caltric but I do not trust their brand very much 

[Bob H]

I got spanked for linking to it previously - violates forum guidelines.
I kind of enjoyed the spanking though, I am from California.

You will find various choices within the first page or 2 of a search.

...I going to go ahead and change out the coil mostly due to age anyways.

I saw a video on youtube of a guy pulling spark plug leads on late model NH and one of the wires was barely connected, the end of lead fell off after removal.

You need to diagnose first, not throw parts at it.

what brand would you recommend

Honda.

[Jcota750]

Lol no worries don't want you in more trouble than you are already in

[Jcota750]

Those Honda coils are very expensive but then again mine did last over 30 years. I'll diagnosis and buy when needed thank you all.

[mollusc]

If you want to change the coils, try looking on eBay first.  My experience has been that they're usually okay if the cases aren't cracked even if they're old.


Find a manual yourself.  Links or posting of copyrighted materials will not be tolerated on this forum.

[Jcota750]

Alright my friend I will find a manual "myself" thank you for the support

[Jcota750]

If you want to change the coils, try looking on eBay first.  My experience has been that they're usually okay if the cases aren't cracked even if they're old.


Find a manual yourself.  Links or posting of copyrighted materials will not be tolerated on this forum.

I assume I should get new wires if I go for a used one any recommendations for selecting wires?

[Bob H]

Did you get a spark tester and diagnose the problem yet?