Motorcycle Repair: kz 440, cdi ignition, pickup coil

Question
kz 440 no spark,  checked ignition coil its ok. don't know how to test ic igniter or pick up coil, what to do next? thanks bob

Answer
Robert, I don't have any specs on Kawasaki KZ440s. With a CDI ignition, the things that can kill the spark are the KILL switch and ignition switch (unless something is unplugged), which both ground the ignition circuit to turn it OFF.

Unplug the kill switch wiring (probably in the headlight shell) and unplug the ignition switch, then see if you have spark or not. A friend of mine had a KLR600 and bought three igniters before he discovered a shorting out KILL switch on the handlebars. Check the easy stuff first.. electrical connections at all junctions.

Pickup coil is usually a very low ohms value circuit (less than 1 in many cases). Unplug it from the stator connector area, check for continuity and/or kick it over with a volt meter connected to see if it is generating a few volts. Kind of a process of elimination, if you don't have a shop manual and correct test equipment and specs to go by, though.

Search for any KZ440 forums on the web which may have the exact specs and test procedures. It ain't a Honda, so I can only go so far with you on this question.

Bill Silver