Motorcycle Repair: Honda XL 175, honda xl 175, oldmanhonda

Question
I got a 1977 Honda xl 175 motor put on to a 1974 frame. Does it need a battery to start?
All I'm getting is back-firing, without the battery in there.

Answer
Eric, yes it is a battery-powered ignition, not a magneto. If you get it fired up without the battery somehow, the charging system will go to full output because the battery is the electrical load/reservoir for the whole system. Without the battery to dampen and absorb the charging system output, all the light bulbs in the bike which might be lit are going to see about 30 volts and they will all turn into flashbulbs... and burn out... very $$$$ especially for the headlight bulb.

Wiring diagram available at:

http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/WiringDiagrams/MCwiring.php

Bill Silver