I am not getting spark on my 1997 suzuki bandit 1200s, there is a weak spark for a second then it stops and nothing, it will crank over fine, im almost positive its not my coil packs as i had a known good one and it still did the same thing, what could the problem be? could it be that it will crank but not start even if the kickstand is down?

Hi and welcome to FixYa,

Just to verify and eliminate the ignition coils, tests for it are:

• one terminal would have an IGN +12;
• the other terminal would have a pulsating voltage when cranking;
• passive test, primary (+ to -), resistance 3 ~ 5 ohms; while
• any of the primary terminal to HT would be 15 ~ 18 kilo ohms.

The CDI could not be tested since it is a sealed unit. The only way to confirm if it is a CDI is to check the external factors and if they are present yet no spark, then it would be the CDI:

• the CDI gets its triggers from the pulser coils;
• the output of the pulser coils would be very very low ACV;
• it would be preferable to use an analog/needle type multitester for the flickering pulser voltage;
• the CDI also needs a "go signal" from the interlocks together with the starter relay;
• try exercising the sidestand when cranking;
• verify neutral light is on;
• try starting with the clutch lever pulled.

Another possibility to consider is that the starter is consuming most of the power from the battery leaving very little for the ignition system to use and/or the ignition switch has some loose connection. The IGN +12 to the coil terminal should also test this possibility.

Please postback results / updates of tests performed.

Good luck and thank you for using FixYa.

Hi m8,,if the side stand is down,itl still start untill u put it in2 gear,, then she will stop,, if your sure your coils are ok, pull off the plug caps and snip just a little bit of the ht coil wire off so u can see the copper wire in the core of the lead,,then screw the cap back on ,, try this 1st,, if she starts up leave it tickin over,,, if she stops wet your hand and very quickly touch the down pipe to see which pipe is the coolest ,, if there is a cooler pipe than the other 3,or 2,, then its them cylinders that are not sparkin properly,,try that test 1st ,if no different come back and il give u another thing to try,, cheers