Motorcycle Repair: 83 Honda vt750 Shadow IC Ignitors, honda vt750, motorcycle electronics


Question
Having problems with getting spark to the front coil. The coil checks out ok with an ohm meter and I believe the problem lies with one ic ignitor. The number on the ignitor is T1D12-11. I can find ignitors on ebay and the description say they will work on my bike but the number is different such as T1D12-11 A or T1D12-20 etc. Can you tell me the difference and if indeed they will work on my bike? Thanks Bill

Answer
Alan, motorcycle electronics are not my favorite subject, especially when you are trying to mix and match control modules. Sometimes the suffix on the parts is due to a manufacturer identification, sometimes a specific spark advance curve for a certain application, sometimes they are updated/superseded from the original part specification.

I would say that if it has the same plug configuration and sellers claim that it came from a like type model, then it should function properly, despite the numerical differences. Choose one as close as possible in the number, however. In the example above, I would suggest using the -A type.

Did you try swapping the igniters from front to rear sets to see if the problem moves, in order to verify that the part in question is causing the issue?

Sorry, not much else I can share with "new school" bikes (even though it is almost 30 years old!).  There are some Honda Shadow-specific websites out there who may be more helpful.

Give me points and condensers every time!  :>)

Bill Silver