loss of power and backfire

[love2ride]

I have an 86 venture royale. I was riding home from work today and the tach quit working I had power loss. I put it I first gear and revved the engine up a few times. It started backfiring a few times then the tach started working and got all power back. Any ideas? Also does anyone know what the hose coming out of the top of the gas tank is for. the hose is going from the top of the gas tank and runs up to the front of the bike nut not connected to anything.

Edited May 3, 2014 by love2ride
added question

[Peder_y2k]

Check the fuse panel first for loose glass fuse holder tangs. Your machine is old enough to have fatiqued metal tangs, and when they let go, things stop working. Also check the main fuse connector as it can become loose with age.

-Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

[love2ride]

Thanks Pete great info. That didn't cross my mind at all. I will check that out today.