04 Ninja 500 Dies while riding... wont restart -Seems no spark?

[Maple50175]

So I got a ninja 500 from a friend. Rode it around a few times.. Then yesterday rode it to work. At lunch wanted to go on a nice ride. (seems carbs were clogged up pretty good and needed anothe cleaning) So im riding it find, im downshifting, then slow down to stop and the bike dies.. I start it back up and iit just turns over but does not start.

Tried to check connections etc and everything seemed okay. Had it towed, wasted money and it just sucks.

I took the spark plugs out and see if there was spark but they are not arcing or anything. So to me it seems like no spark BUT what should I text.

I have a funny feeling its something stupid.... any ideas?

[jwm2k3]

I thought EX500's were disposable.....


Edited: just jokin around man, hope you figure it out soon!

[jbmass]

Out of gas? Tried switching over to reserve?

[jasnmar]

Was the plug grounded when you tested it? (Sorry I have no idea your mechanical experience) .

If the plug isn't sparking did you check the plug wire to see if it would arc?

Was the plug wet when you took it out?

And, just because you used the term "dies" rather than "died"... Has it done this before?

[stoinkythepig]

Failed crank position sensor would be my first guess, but did you check fuses? If the crank sensor and fuses check out, Then perhaps it's a failed ignitor or a burned land in the junction box.

[AVI8_636]

Out of gas? Tried switching over to reserve?

This was my first thought as well.

[dankatz]

I also think maybe petcock related and being out of gas could give you this signs....

[Degsy]

Wirelessly posted

Blocked filler vent

[Tunertype]

I had a ninja 500. If you ran out of gas even if you switch to reserve it would take forever to get the gas going again. You have to switch to reserve at the first incline of sputter to not be stranded for a while. And you better have a good battery for all the cranking your going to be doing. If not the gas, then coils or ignition usually give some random issues especially when hot.

[AVI8_636]

Wirelessly posted

Blocked filler vent

THIS! Completely forgot about this happening all the time on my EX500. I'd pop the filler and you could hear the air. Right after it would start right up.

[Sheppo]

Where in Chelmsford are you? I work in Chelmsford and live in Westford I could stop over and take a look for you.

[jwm2k3]

Where in Chelmsford are you? I work in Chelmsford and live in Westford I could stop over and take a look for you.

I need 50 dolla to make you holla, I get paid to do the wild thing....

[aldend123]

Had it towed, wasted money and it just sucks.

I don't have any suggestions beyond what has been covered, but I think I can save you the cost of towing next time. Details about AMA roadside assistance and sign-up link here:
http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/...sideassistance

Many people here have discussed AMA Roadside assistance, and you can find all the chatter about experiences here:
https://www.google.com/search?source...IsOa0QHsh4HoBg
and somewhat here:
http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...you-get-a-flat

[Paul_E_D]

vacuum line from carb to petcock popped off?

[csmutty]

Like people said before these are notorious for the cap vent clogging. Try starting it with the cap open. If that works then drill a hole in the top of the tank that the gas cap covers. This bypasses the vent and allows it to breathe. I had to do it on my race bike.

[Maple50175]

Sorry just read all the replies... First off its not a fuel issue. It's not getting any spark on both plugs. They are not arching. I am getting power to both coils. It had a full tank of gas

Fuses are all good nothing is bad there
The plugs would not arc on both sides..
Plugs were not wet when I pulled them..
There was some sputtering like the carbs were clogged this season when I first rode bike a few weeks ago
5000 miles on bike

Sheppo. I'd love for you to look at bike but its at my work and cannot have people there..


Any ideas. It's deff and ignition issue if anyone has more ideas or let me. Know

[Paul_E_D]

The coil wires often crack on these. We were constantly checking them we I raced EXs. It's just two flakey blade connectors exposed to the harsh environment.

[B440]

The plugs would not arc on both sides..
Plugs were not wet when I pulled them..

Did you have both plugs out when you tested for spark? Check one at a time, leaving the other one in the head with the boot on it.

If the plugs weren't wet after cranking, you've got a fuel problem too.

[Tunertype]

Like people said before these are notorious for the cap vent clogging. Try starting it with the cap open. If that works then drill a hole in the top of the tank that the gas cap covers. This bypasses the vent and allows it to breathe. I had to do it on my race bike.

This doesn't let rain in?

[stoinkythepig]

I bet it's the crank sensor. It's easy to test, measure it with an ohm meter and see if it is open. There's only two wires, and no polarity. If you don't have an ohm meter or know how to use one, this is a great opportunity to get one and learn how to use it. Handy tool/skill.

[Stromper]

E Stop run switch ? or does that prevent cranking

[stoinkythepig]

E Stop run switch ? or does that prevent cranking

The kill switch prevents cranking. I ruled it out quickly (in my head).

[csmutty]

This doesn't let rain in?

I raced in the rain and never had a problem. Its still under the gas cap.

[Maple50175]

I bet it's the crank sensor. It's easy to test, measure it with an ohm meter and see if it is open. There's only two wires, and no polarity. If you don't have an ohm meter or know how to use one, this is a great opportunity to get one and learn how to use it. Handy tool/skill.

Hmm ill have to check this. Where is the crack sensor? Any pictures of this? Would this just go out in middle of ride? Where do I test it

[OreoGaborio]

Silly question to eliminate an easy mistake: When you tested spark, did you hold the plugs against the engine case to ground it?

Having raced these as well, I concurr with the other guys...
Gas cap (clogged vent creates vacuum in tank)
Petcock (bad vacuum tube OR the diaphragm within the petcock itself is a very common failure point)
Coils (corrosion on the contacts or failed completely)
Crank position sensor (IMO, this is the least probable, but still possible)

All are pretty common issues.