TOPIC:

Bike is 1982 KZ11100 shaftie.

I see many references in this forum to the fact that during starting the coils may not receive enough voltage to fire the plugs efficiently.
Is that correct?

If so what have you guys done to solve the problem?

My bike runs great but does not want to start.
Ether will get it running. Otherwise I am just spinning the motor and running the battery down.

Any and all suggestions welcome. (related to fixing the bike, that is).

Thanks guys!!

Many of us have done the "WiredGeorge coil mod" on similar bikes. It just adds a relay to supply battery voltage directly to the coils, there are many threads on the subject. However it sounds like you have carb issues. To rule out the coil voltage just check the voltage at each coil with a multimeter, it should be pretty close to the same voltage at the battery. If it's more than say 1 volt lower I would do the coil mod. Start with the basics anyway. Check your plugs, see what they look like, make sure they all work. Remove the carbs and clean them, thoroughly. Most problems come down to something very simple. Fuel filter, air filter clogged, plugs, dirty carbs etc. If you have to spray ether in the carbs then you likely have a carb issue not ignition but it won't hurt to check all the routine maintenance items.

Just a thought but if it starts with ether, you might have a carb problem. Check the enrichening valve.

If you think its the coils test to see how much voltage is at the coils when you crank the engine over.

Thanks for the tips.
Thay are good things to look at.

Everything is new or rebuilt.

I can cerinly believe that I did something wrong on the carbs.
I will check the coil voltage while cranking, and see what I have.