About(Sidecar) Bob Kingsmill Expertise I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH HARELYS.
ATVs ARE NOT MOTORCYCLES. DO NOT ASK ME ABOUT THEM.
DON'T ASK UNLESS YOU HAVE LOOKED IN THE SHOP MANUAL FIRST - IT ONLY ROBS SOMEONE WITH A REAL QUESTION OF THE OPPORTUNITY.
You can ask me electrical questions about 1975-85 HONDAS.
You can ask me about driving sidecars in the winter, or sidecars in general.
You can ask me general motorcycle repair questions, but my main experience is with Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650, GL1000 and GL1100 models. I also know a bit about the Suzuki GS400 and 1980s Dneprs, but I haven't touched either in years. If you ask about a model I am not familiar with I will do my best to find your answer.
Experience I have been operating and maintaining Honda motorcycles since 1991 and other types since 1985.
I have access to several online usergroups that specialize in keeping these types of bikes roadworthy and am considered an expert in some areas, particularly electrical/wiring matters.
I have been using sidecars for everyday winter transportation in Southern Ontario since 1987 except for 2 winters on a trike. I have learned how to make this a relatively comfortable activity and how to prepare the machine so that it survives the road salt.
Organizations Naked Gold Wings;
Honda Transverse Twins of America
Education/Credentials Electronics & acoustics technician.
Correspondence courses in motorcycle repair & small engines.
Question my bike is not firing on the #2 cylinder at idle although it is getting fuel and spark. Any ideas?
Answer A number of things could cause this.
The first thing I would try is swapping the plug with one from another cylinder - it is possible for a plug to make a nice spark in the open air when it won't inside the cylinder with compressed mixture around it. If the problem moves with the plug replace the plugs and you should be OK. If it stays in the same cylinder it didn't cost anything and you eliminated the easiest possibility.
If that doesn't help, try switching the coils next. Again, if the problem moves with the coil it is the culprit. It is possible that the coil can't provide enough power to fire under compression.
The next test is compression. You will need a compression gauge for this (or a friend with one). If the misbehaving cylinder has much lower compression than the others you probably have a valve problem - either a worn or cracked valve or seat or one that is really badly out of adjustment and not closing properly.
It could also be a stuck piston ring, but that is usually accompanied by oil consumption.
