Bike not starting

[ssco156]

I changed the stator, regulator, plug caps and plugs plus did some re-wiring on my GS450 last year. Since then, it's been nothing but problems. Went back to try and get it to work this week after taking a six month break. The bike started pretty quickly considering it had been standing for so long but then I noticed that only the LHS cylinder was firing. Checked if a spark was present and sure enough, no spark on the RHS. So I removed the ignition coil and found that the EHT lead had a break. Soldered it as best as I could just to keep on working on the bike while I buy a replacement. Put the coils back on today and the bike would not start. Tried another known good battery but still no luck. Both plugs are firing when I placed them touching the cylinder head but I'm not sure if the sparks are strong enough to actually start the bike. The plugs are gapped correctly. How can I tell if it is a weak spark problem? Could a faulty igniter cause a weak spark? Another thing I noticed was that I could not detect any smell of fuel from the spark plug hole after trying to start the bike for quite a few times. Is that normal? Thanks for any help.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

So far, you have spark, you still need:
compression.
fuel. - petcock operating properly, carbs clean, and vacuum line connected.
properly sealed air path with no leaks in or out.

did you set valve clearance?

[ssco156]

Well it was a fuel problem. Partly my fault as I didn't bother connecting the petcock vacuum hose to the carb but was relying on the prime setting to supply the fuel. For some reason, this wasn't enough for the engine to start although fuel did come out of the fuel hose with the prime set to on. I now need to replace the RHS coil and was looking for some advice; where is the best place to get one in the UK? And should I get non-original brand new one or go for a used original Suziuki part? Many thanks

[Redman]

....... For some reason, this wasn't enough for the engine to start although fuel did come out of the fuel hose with the prime set to on. .......

Set to "ON" or set to "PRI"....?

[Grimly]

I now need to replace the RHS coil and was looking for some advice; where is the best place to get one in the UK? And should I get non-original brand new one or go for a used original Suziuki part? Many thanks

The coils are quite long-lived, but you always get the odd dud one as they get older.
I've been using Honda Goldwing coils for years - actually they were fitted to a whole bevy of Hondas for years, from the Goldie to the CBR1000 and many others. As a guide, look for the GL1500 coils - you get three in a bunch and often cheap enough if you're not in a hurry. The coil type is MT-08; they have replaceable leads and fit most GSs (they'll fit just about everything).

[ssco156]

Set to "ON" or set to "PRI"....?

My petcock has two positions; "ON" and "RES" and then there is a screw which when loosened lets the fuel out. This seems to be working but maybe not letting enough fuel through to start the bike.

[ssco156]

The coils are quite long-lived, but you always get the odd dud one as they get older.
I've been using Honda Goldwing coils for years - actually they were fitted to a whole bevy of Hondas for years, from the Goldie to the CBR1000 and many others. As a guide, look for the GL1500 coils - you get three in a bunch and often cheap enough if you're not in a hurry. The coil type is MT-08; they have replaceable leads and fit most GSs (they'll fit just about everything).

Thanks for your advice; I'll have a look for those Honda coils; I like the fact that they have replaceable leads.