Oh ill get slated for this--- need help with bsa bantam

Hi Dingerbell You have on earth connection from battery to frame then, me thinks

 

Is it/should it be +ve earth? Some older bikes are.

That was the first thing that went through my mind when I read what the problem was ... although there's nowt up there to stop any stray thoughts doing significant damage!!

 

Apparently all Bamtams left the factory with 6v positive earthing but they can be changed to 12v negative.

This website might help.
http://roosterignitions.com/bantam.php

 

That would be "Bantams"!

 

If engine is live, what ever voltage or polarity is it has a earthing problem i would be looking for my voltmeter and heavy duty jump leads

 

No do not change anything yet, tell me where you are earthing your test light ?

 

ok good with the test light probe start from negative post of battery follow wire from battery the thick one and probe the lead that connects to chassis of bike this is where it should connect to if bike is negative earth, let me know if it is negative earth ?

 

Has your test light got a filament bulb or led ? Have you got a testing voltmeter ?

First check this fuse with your test light to see if power is going through it,

This bike looks as if it is still positive earth, right lets put the earth of test probe on positive side and follow the thick cable to see where it connects to ? if it connects to frame or engine it is defo positive earth system bike.

 

Scuse my ignorance but if it's fused doesn't that mean it's the live wire not the earth?

 

Correct it looks like this is a positive earth bike just getting D 1962 to follow Positive wire to see if it is going to frame or engine of bike or has someone at some point put a fuse into this wire ???

 

Well done my son happy days

 

No problem if a positive outcome