Recommend me a multimeter

I picked up a roach of a YZ80 that I'm assembling/getting running. Owner bought it not running and when I got it the pulse generator was out of the bike in a box and the kill switch was missing.

I want to test all the electrical components (all 3 of them!) but don't have a multimeter.

Any suggestions? I'm a cheap bastard, so keep that in mind. I would only use it for some minior diagnostic work between the YZ and a carbed SV. Might need it for diagnostics on a 1997 Safari, but not likely.

Any suggestions?

 

Harbor freight gives them away free, you said you were a cheap bastard,
but you get what you pay for. My Fluke ran me $400 but I have had it 30 years.

 

I use a Fluke at work and a HF at home. The Fluke is nicer and my work demands some of the features. The HF is a good value for really basic checks.

 

Fluke for in depth info. HF for voltage/ohms

 

Thanks guys - this is the bike I got, except it came in pieces.

 

HF tester will be fine if you only need it for this project. I suppose you could always go back and get another free/cheap one from HF when it dies...

If you want something reliable, one of the basic Fluke models will do the trick. We have one that is 25+ years old and is still going strong.

Or, you could check at Radio Shack - they might be having a closeout sale anyday now.

 

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/pocket-analog-multimeter/A-p8344681e

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/digital-multimeter/A-p8347676e

Either is good enough for getting greasy and working on bikes.

 

And having both has it's advantages. The digital is handy to have for most electrical work on bikes but the analog is better for checking stators/PU coils. No need for a $400 Fluke.

 

I picked up an inexpensive $30 meter. Everything tested within spec, so hopefully I can fire this animal up this weekend. Unless there is no spark, then the CDI has probably packed it in.

 

Make sure you eliminate the wiring and kill button as potential problems before you go replacing the CDI unit. Not saying they can't go bad but it is extremely rare.

I don't think there are any specs for the CDI but don't try testing resistance on them, the voltage from the meter can cause damage.

 

The kill switch was missing from the boxes of parts so I ordered a new one. Going to see if I can get spark off this thing with no kill switch wired in.

 

Yeah, the kill switch just grounds the ignition circuit to kill spark, easiest way to test one is to unplug it.

 

sounds good. this was my fork oil...