Hello!
Well i finally got myself a CBR400RR last night, very excited! its in a gorgeous TVR pearl blue and looks beautiful and only 18000k!
its my 2nd bike, but my first real sports bike!

Anyway, I have purchased her as a non runner, she turns over fine but wouldn't start, i was told the carbs were clogged as she had been sitting for a year, so i striped, cleaned and re-built my carbs today (they were in good condition), and still no joy, so i tested for a spark....... and there wasn't one! This is my first bike and i bloody hate electrics! has anyone got a list of stuff to check with some pics of where things are?

Kill switch was on, battery is new, is there something stupid I'm missing being a new biker?

welcome to the site.. hope we can help.
the link below is a flow chat of starter system fault finding. it may help.
if no spark, replace plugs and probably HT leads, they do break down over time. just remember which lead goes to what plug.
http://www.nsr-world.com/workshop/wirin ... inding.pdf

Thanks for the welcome, unfortunately that flow chart is for a bike that starts, and mine wont..... anyone else got any ideas?
I may need to get a manual

check the fuses?

Have you got lack of spark on all 4 cylinders? the bike has 2 coils so it may be that you will get a spark on 2 cylinders and not the other 2.

Its probably worth giving all the loom plugs a good clean for the ignition circuit, you should be able to trace everything back from the coils, and check that everythings plugged in etc etc.

Also, have a check under the back seat round by where the lights are and make sure the ecu is plugged in.

Matchlessman wrote:Have you got lack of spark on all 4 cylinders? the bike has 2 coils so it may be that you will get a spark on 2 cylinders and not the other 2.

Its probably worth giving all the loom plugs a good clean for the ignition circuit, you should be able to trace everything back from the coils, and check that everythings plugged in etc etc.

Also, have a check under the back seat round by where the lights are and make sure the ecu is plugged in.

Right, i have now checked both coils and neither work, so looks like its the chasing game with the cables! The ECU is plugged in, can i test the power going to the coils? if so anyone know how or what i should see?

have you checked the earths? there is one on the subframe and one by the strater motor.

Well after a helpful link i have tested the coils and they pass the resistance check and everything else checks out so i think it may be the Ignition control unit, or ecu, what ever you want to call it!

Just need to find one so that i can test it! found one on ebay for £43 but a bit steep if it turns out not to be that!

pop it back on ebay of keep it as a spare

Right.... I'm making progress! borrowed a ECU off someone and i now have spark, i don't think the fuel pump relay is working so i have shorted it out to be on at all times (just till i get it started)...

It turns over and almost caught once but now wont catch, or even try.... could i have flooded her? I'm just waiting for an hour or 2 and will try again in a bit, whats the best way to start her? choke in or out? a bit of throttle or none?

And also... (sorry for the milliona nd 1 questions) where is the best place to get a battery? do hafords do bike batteries?