Expert: Bill Silver - 12/8/2008

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

Answer
Walter, check the wiring diagrams out here...
http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/WiringDiagrams/MCwiring.php

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.

Bill Silver