Okay folks, I'll continue to scan the forum for info but figured I'd post the question in an effort to multi-task my search.

Issue:
Subject bike will start per normal 98% of the time without issues. Twice in the last 2 months it wouldn't start. Starter turns over but no spark. Not a fuel issue (smell fuel from exhaust among other indications of having fuel). Not a vapor lock issue (bike runs cool, and second instance was after the bike sat all day at work). I checked the clutch safety switch wires and they were fine. When this happens, checked for spark at the plug. The first time it happend, after removing the #3 plug wire from the plug, inserted a phillips screwdriver and placed near ground, the bike started when checking for spark. The second time it happened (yesterday, 72degrees F, low RH, clear skies), I had no spark at the #3 wire the first time I tried it. I moved the screwdriver closer to the ground (about 1/8"), tried again and it started. Rode home, turned off, turned back on again
without issues.



My Thoughts:
Bad connection somewhere = I'll continue to check, clean all connections.

Weak battery = I'll check the output with a Fluke meter but the on board volt meter seemed to read okay. Around 14 volts at idle and 12 when reved to about 3k rpm's, (which seemed backwards from what I'd expect). Battery is 2 years old.

Low battery fluid = I'll check later today but even if low in one or two cells, would it create such an intermittant problem.

Question:
Am I experiencing a common issue seen with this age of bike equipped with the electrical components that it has? If so how to rectify.

Many Thanks.

Keith - Western NY