TOPIC:

Brill. Thanks. I've ordered the part.
Just hope the bike starts better now.

Cheers

Use the time to clean and restore your ignition wiring, connectors and switches!!!

Not a fan of coil mod. Clean your connections and the voltage drop will be minimal. No need for a bunch of rogue wires running around on the bike.

I think the coil mod has its place. If you have some switches in bad shape it can be impossible to get them into working order because they are just plain worn out. Finding good condition OEM switches can be a nightmare. A relay is a cheap fix. I have done it on many bikes with worn out switches and it always has a noticeable difference on startup.

I put a relay in years ago . Most of the voltage loss was in the ignition switch which was not possible to clean internally. Since then I changed the fuse box to blade style, replaced the ignition switch (Emgo). Cleaned up the RH switchgear and replaced numerous connectors.

I no longer need the relay but left it hooked up. If I lose the key its simple to hotwire relay for a live ignition and put a scrrwdriver across the starter solenoid to get the bike going. A "get you home" fix.
If the relay ever fails its simple to reconnect wires to original.

I’ve done this mod. I was getting low voltage to the coils on my 78 1000 B2. I was concerned about taking the ignition apart and damaging it then your stuck with multiple keys to operate your bike. I know others have successfully repaired the ignition terminal connection so it is possible but just not a good risk for me. The relay mod was a better option.

I've done it too. With the Dyna S and green coils it's a better setup. Counting on the cheesy connectors under the side cover always caused problems evidenced by the overheated white wire to the switch. I have the ignition, lights and volt gauge on relays. There was a one volt drop at the switch. Voltage drops cause heat which causes overheating of the wire that causes more resistance until the connector burns out. I got a good KZ900 wiring loom from one of our members and the voltage drop was still there. The white wire is too small to carry all that load. Modern cars have relays and this is the reason. The bike starts/runs better, the lights don't dim and the connectors stay cool. I'll keep them thank you.
Steve

When Wired George first introduced this bypass to KZR, he created a firestorm of controversy. The conversation is much more civilized these days, but no less polarized.

I have the mod on my KZ1000 but I wouldn't put it on my Z1's. One point not mentioned here is that any voltage drop on the primary side leads to a much lower voltage on the secondary side. This results in less spark, which means fuel ignition will not be as good. If you don't do the mod you should regularly check voltage at the coils to ensure it doesn't drop.

Waiting for the part to arrive so checked the voltage, 12v at coil BUT when I turned the engine over on the button the volts drop dramatically. This would explain to me the poor starting.
Looking forward to getting the 650 SR out for a few rides.
Thanks guys for your info.

Actually that sounds quite normal.

If ignition is points have you checked timing?
Checked and adjusted valves?
Done anything to carbs? Checked float bowl fuel levels?

TexasKZ wrote: When Wired George first introduced this bypass to KZR, he created a firestorm of controversy. The conversation is much more civilized these days, but no less polarized.

Some are positive, some are negative, and some are neutral.