kz440 ignition

The bike in question is a 1982 kz440 ltd (belt).

The bike originally died in the summer when, travelling on the highway, it started backfiring and lurching. After that, I could still start and run the bike, but it refused to hold idle unless the choke was applied. Now I've cleaned the carbs, air filter and tested compression, and the bike won't start at all.

I get a spark with both plugs out, but if I install the plugs, then hook a timing light up and run the starter motor, the right cylinder stops sparking after a few puffs. So it would appear there is no spark in the right cylinder under compression.

After inspecting the ignition system, the IC igniter internal resistances seem to be way above spec, and reading similar values (mega-ohm range) when its supposed to be infinite.

So it appears the IC igniter is messed up, but does the ailment match the symptoms? Would a shot IC igniter cause poor sparking in one cylinder? Are these units known to go bad spontaneously? Or should I be looking elsewhere?

Then the question is what happens next. I'm somewhat turned off to the idea of buying a used igniter, because theres no quality assurance. I found what could possibly be an aftermarket replacement ( link ), but Im really not sure if its the right part for this bike. If anyone knows about aftermarket ignition systems, Im all ears!

If at least one cylinder has good spark, then the igniter is fine. Check plug wires and plug wire connection at the coil (not the small wires). The coil is probably good too if one cylinder gets good spark, but the connection from coil to plug wire often gets bad or dirty and can cause problems. It wouldn't hurt to get a new coil if it's the original. There are some on ebay, brand new, for about $40.

Thanks for the input. I've already ordered a "new" igniter to check, but the coil would be another good place to look if the igniter is OK.

When you say "new", are you talking about the aftermarket stuff sold by Dynatek?

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationSomething like this one. You will want to confirm it's 4 ohms.
Some say these cheap 4 ohm coils work well.


The Dyna coils come in 3 ohm or 5 ohm. With points, you'd probably want the 5 ohm.