honda 200es not starting help???

[bmiller3]

I purchased a none running 1984 honda 200es. it is in fantastic shape, but does not run. i have been reading and testing everything i can possible do, but can not figure this out. the unit will not turn over but if i unplug the cdi box which has (968) on it. it will turn over, but soon as i plug the box back in it will not do anything anyone have any ideas what this could be. I have read that the 200es do have cdi problems, but ive never heard of unplugging it and it turn over but plugging cdi back up and it does nothing.

The neutral light also stays on no matter what gear I am in

[350for350]

What if you try to use the recoil starter? Will it start then with the CDI plugged in? I'm not much on electrical issues, but it sounds like maybe there could be a wire grounding somewhere. Maybe there's a connection between the wire from the starter button and the shorted out wire through the CDI? It's a LONG shot for sure, but try to look at all of the wires going to your CDI. One could have cracked insulation allowing a ground to happen. I think you may be on the right track.