Thought I'd add that the voltage going into the front coil has been measured at 20 millivolts. This was checked by another forum member who just happened to be in the area (thanks Steve). It should be more like 12 volts. I'm assuming that this also points to a faulty TCI.

Just to clarify that, there was no pulse to the coil while running, just a constant 20mV.

With the engine running, one coil terminal should have 12v continually, the other may indicate a varying voltage depending on the meter response characteristic. Precise analysis of the TCI output signal needs specialized equipment.

Magg, am I right in thinking that the 12v to the coil is supplied through the TCI? I've found this to be the case on other bikes.

If not Foxy it's my bad, apologies. To test, just use your meter on DC voltage and hold the black probe on that earth point (the one I suggested cleaning) and dab the red probe on the coil terminal with the black base (+ve). You should have 12v there.

TCI system is fundamentally a battery-coil-points system with the points replaced by the control module. Thus the coil should have 12v on one primary winding terminal and the control unit connected to the second primary winding terminal. If there is no 12v on any terminal with ignition On and run/stop in RUN then there is a wiring issue.

I received the replacement TCI unit from Rick Oliver but have only just got round to checking it out (been on holiday). I wasn't sure what to expect but the new Ignitech TCI box came with an adapter to fit the original RVF plug and a computer connection to allow programming. There was also a CD, which contained a mountain of info. Fortunately RO had already programmed the TCI.

I fixed up a temporary mount and plugged in the Ignitech TCI. Each time I switch on the ignition the rev counter needle sweeps round the face. It's never done that before and RO said that was new to him. Interesting. The bike fired first press (I wasn't expecting it to start, sceptic that I am ) and ran on 3 cylinders, the front right isn't firing.

So I'm assuming the replacement Rick Oliver coil is working, otherwise the FL cylinder would be dead. Similarly, I assume the new TCI is doing what it's supposed to. Obviously there is a problem with the front right cylinder but it is NOT down to either the front coil or TCI, am I correct?

Right, so what has this narrowed it down to and what's my next step?

If the front cylinders have not been running for sometime but dragged around by the rear, you may have a fouled the RF spark plug. If not a fouled plug then a fuel problem. You could try spaying fuel or easy start fluid into the carby for the RF cylinder. If it runs then you have a carby problem.

A dodgy plug was my thought. These bikes seem to eat plugs, I've lost count of how many my RVF has been through, probably more than every other bike I've owned combined ..and at around £16 each (how can they justify that?)!

No idea why your NC35 requires many plug replacements. My VFR has run 100,000 KM on the same plugs although it is used only for country running. What causes you to replace the plugs.

At the moment I'd guess every time it won't work properly.....