<p>Using a 12 Volt Tester By Mark Shively</p><p>Use a 12 volt tester and trace voltage from battery, to main fuse, fuse box, and through related circuits. A 12 volt tester looks like an ice pick with a long wire and an alligator clip at the end of the wire.</p><p>When the ignition key is turned to the "On" position, voltage flows to the fuse box, ignition switch, starter solenoid, lighting system, CDI, and starter button ( covers most motorcycle systems).</p><p>When the starter button is depressed, voltage flows to the starter solenoid. It becomes an electro-magnet and moves the internal electrical contact. High current flows to the starter motor for starting the engine. High current and starter motor gear reduction is required to overcome cylinder compression. </p><p>Safety switches such as the side stand sw, engine on/off sw, clutch sw, all interrupt the ground circuit. If any of these switches become defective, the engine will not crank/rotate/turn-over. </p><p>Check continuity of ignition pick-up coil (aka: pulse or pulsar coil). If this is defective, coils get no signal. </p><p>If the CDI is defective, coils and other components may not receive a signal. Test with a known good CDI. </p>