KZR's Bikes of the Month for 2024

upgrade ignition?

More
11 Jun 2020 10:40 - 11 Jun 2020 10:42 #827890 by Ant_5445
upgrade ignition? was created by Ant_5445
Hi, was wondering if its worth it to upgrade the coils and pickups from stock to dyna? Mine is working as it should just looking to see if it'll make any improvements or not. Same goes for the charging system i.e rectifier. If not, i'll just leave it alone.

'99 Zrx 1100
'81 Gpz 550
Last edit: 11 Jun 2020 10:42 by Ant_5445.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 Jun 2020 10:48 - 11 Jun 2020 10:50 #827893 by loudhvx
Replied by loudhvx on topic upgrade ignition?
The stock ignition is superior to a Dyna S and dyna coils. Its more efficient and safer in case of leaving the ignition turned on accidentally.

If you go fully digital dyna, you might see a hint of improvement, same as converting to a zx or zr 550 ignition. But requires modifying the ignition housing.
A ninja 250 reg rec might be insurance against failure. They are like $10 used and work great. They require some wire splicing. If yours is working fine, then I'd leave it alone. Maybe get a ninja reg/rec and keep it on a shelf.
Last edit: 11 Jun 2020 10:50 by loudhvx.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 Jun 2020 11:07 #827897 by 650ed
Replied by 650ed on topic upgrade ignition?
.

Ed

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Attachments:
The following user(s) said Thank You: loudhvx

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 Jun 2020 11:18 #827899 by Ant_5445
Replied by Ant_5445 on topic upgrade ignition?
Alright ill just end up leaving it alone then. If anything , ill change out the rectifier as my horn sounds like a dying whale....not sure if that would be a symptom though? Happens when bike is idling but when riding the horn works normally.

'99 Zrx 1100
'81 Gpz 550

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 Jun 2020 11:28 - 11 Jun 2020 11:44 #827901 by loudhvx
Replied by loudhvx on topic upgrade ignition?
No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationThe only thing I would change over a perfect-condition, bone-stock Gpz550 is adding a steering damper. They are prone to headshake. It's a legit safety issue. However, adding a steering damper is not a simple project. The oil cooler is in the way, and the steering has too much travel. You also have to mod the frame a small bit and the lower fork yoke has to be drilled with an adapter fabbed to sit in the reinforcing ribs.

I weld a spacer on the steering stop to reduce travel similar to what a modern bike would have. I have details on that if needed.

The only good thing is that you can still get the same steering damper possibly even made by the same company that Kawasaki used back in the late 1970's and were on some Kaw bikes. They are low cost and actually decent.
Last edit: 11 Jun 2020 11:44 by loudhvx.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 Jun 2020 11:41 #827903 by loudhvx
Replied by loudhvx on topic upgrade ignition?
Horns take a lot of power. Cleaning the power path in the wiring might help. Or a relay might work too. I doubt the reg/rec would affect the horn operation too much as long as they are working properly.

If you can get a new horn, that might work too.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 Jun 2020 11:47 #827905 by Ant_5445
Replied by Ant_5445 on topic upgrade ignition?
Hmmm interesting bit about the stabilizer. i actually have noticed that the front does like to wobble however that does sound like a lot of work haha. I will try to use some contact cleaner on the horn and take a look at the connections in between and see if there is any difference.

'99 Zrx 1100
'81 Gpz 550

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 Jun 2020 12:00 - 11 Jun 2020 12:03 #827906 by 650ed
Replied by 650ed on topic upgrade ignition?

Ant_5445 wrote: Alright ill just end up leaving it alone then. If anything , ill change out the rectifier as my horn sounds like a dying whale....not sure if that would be a symptom though? Happens when bike is idling but when riding the horn works normally.


? The rectifier is not why the horn sounds weak with the bike idling. In fact, the horn sounding normal when riding would imply that the rectifier is working fine. If you really think there's a problem with the charging system, rather than the battery, run the tests that are described in the Kawasaki Service Manual to see if any charging system components are not working properly. Troubleshooting potential problems rather than arbitrarily replacing parts is a MUCH better approach to problem solving. Not only will it help solve the problem faster it will also save money. Ed

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Last edit: 11 Jun 2020 12:03 by 650ed.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum

If you like KZR Please consider making a donation. Thank you.

KZRider is free, but not without cost.

Please consider chipping in a few bucks to help cover the cost of running the KZR servers.