Unconnected wires

Thank you that is very useful. My wiring seems to be a little different. The wiring from the cdi splits into three connectors. The first has white, green and red wires. The second, three yellows and the last a white wire and a blue one. I don't suppose that is much help but I live in hope.

I am embarrassed to say I am not sure I have identified where the CDI unit is. My bike has nothing in the position of your above example. I thought it was the unit on the outside of the alternator as my Haynes manual refers to it as such. However, I now think there must be another part to it.

There seems to be some confusion creeping in on this subject, the stator, CDI unit, HT coil and ignition kill connection to the bikes loom.

The whole ignition system is stand alone, not dependant on the bikes battery to work, other than the electric starter method of whizzing the engine over.

Yes the CDI black/white wire is earthed via ignition switch/handle bar kill switch to kill ignition. It has been known for the handle bar kill switch to "leak" to earth, and to a much lesser extent , the ignition switch to do the same.

Loss of HT spark, disconnect the CDI black/white wire, is the first "test". Be warned, the ignition system must be considered to be "fragile", so use those red neon plug caps that fit "in line" between oe plug cap and fitted to spark plugs. A real world HT test which is quick and revealing, but you will have to make an "adapter" so they fit in line.alternatively, weld/screw in two working old spark plugs to a steel strip that has a " flying earth lead" with a crock clip to earth, to view HT spark in atmosphere.
Just because you see HT spark in atmosphere does not mean a HT spark will jump the gap when inside engine and under compression, hence the red neons being a better test.

The stator has the bikes charging system ( 3 yellow wires ) and ignition system wound onto the stator, but the charging system is completely independabtly of the ignition system. The outer can sensor is part of the ignition system.

There are two ignition connections from the stator to the CDI unit. The CDI unit has the connection to the ignition HT coil and the single bullet ignition kill connection.


The oe CDI "steel can " is bolted to below the frame head stock slightly rearward, on the alternator side, via two bolts, the rearmost one having the loom eyelet earth connection.

May I ask, will your bike start and run ?

If not, does it produce a HT spark ?

Note, the cam cover is insulated !

Thank you for the information. I am on a steep learning curve but getting there very slowly. I shall have a closer look at the various components and wiring tomorrow. It did start quite well until recently and now won't start at all. The battery gives up before any sign of life. I can see a strong looking spark from both plugs.