AboutBill Silver Expertise Need help with vintage Hondas from the 1960s? I am an expert with 250-305cc bikes in particular and most all of the other pre-91 models, in general. I do NOT claim to have a great deal of experience on Gold Wings, Cruisers, ATC/ATVs and dirt bikes.
Experience I have owned/ridden/maintained Honda motorcycles for 35 years. I have written five books on Honda repairs and collecting. I was a service manager for two Honda shops back in the 1980s.
Organizations VJMC (Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club) of North America
Publications VJMC newsletter, as editor for two years and as contributing editor currently.
Question i got this chopper that was rewired when i got it the owner gave me coils from a xs 650 i don't think they will work one gets really hott could that be the not fireing problem thanks
Ignition coils have different primary winding resistance values. Hondas with points and condensers usually measure out around 4-5 ohms on the small wires. If you put in 1-3 ohm coils from a bike that has an electronic ignition, then the whole thing will draw too much current.
Honda coils seldom fail. Be sure that the points are clean, gapped at .014" and set to open at the F and LF marks. If the points are arcing heavily when they open and close, either the condenser for that point set has failed or the wires are loose where they all connect.
