What is a CDI? and why can I only start my bike from popping the clutch?

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JeremyM

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I put a nighthawk engine into my honda rebel... Now it won't start

I was told I have to use a nighthawk CDI in order to get my rebel bike to run...

What is the CDI?

Also, does it mean anything--- if I can jump start it and it runs fine.
It runs like a champ once I jump start it, I just can't start it electronically.

Thanks
 
"I was told I have to use a nighthawk CDI in order to get my rebel bike to run..."

"It runs like a champ once I jump start it"

Apparently you were told wrong lol

CDI is Capacitive Discharge Ignition. Basically it uses a charge stored in high voltage capacitors to fire the spark plugs as opposed to just using a conventional inductive ignition coil.
If the bike runs yout ignition is working. The nighthawk ignition might have a different timing curve, and that may be why you were told to use it.
It sounds like your problem is in the starting circuit.
Make sure your battery passes a current draw test then check the fuses and the wiring between the battery and the starter including the battery cables, grounds, starter and solenoid wires, and the ignition switch and starter button wires.
 
"I was told I have to use a nighthawk CDI in order to get my rebel bike to run..."

"It runs like a champ once I jump start it"

Apparently you were told wrong lol

CDI is Capacitive Discharge Ignition. Basically it uses a charge stored in high voltage capacitors to fire the spark plugs as opposed to just using a conventional inductive ignition coil.
If the bike runs yout ignition is working. The nighthawk ignition might have a different timing curve, and that may be why you were told to use it.
It sounds like your problem is in the starting circuit.
Make sure your battery passes a current draw test then check the fuses and the wiring between the battery and the starter including the battery cables, grounds, starter and solenoid wires, and the ignition switch and starter button wires.
 
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