Motorcycle Repair: no spark wont fire, kawasaki vulcan 500, kawasaki vulcan 500 ltd

Question
2001 kawasaki valcon 500 no spark i have a new fully charged battery with key on i got battery power at the green electrial termenal on bouth coils but no spark when it turns over how do i test the stator or what do i try next and how

Answer
Steve, I am not familiar with your Kawasaki, but in general they are equipped with a CDI style ignition with a pulse generator, CDI module, coils and associated wiring. In addition, there are safety switches at the clutch lever bracket and perhaps on the side stand.

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/2001-kawasaki-vulcan-500-ltd-en500c...

Normally, you can test the pulse generator by using an ohm meter and disconnecting the plug coming out of the stator. Readings usually range around 50-500 ohms, varying from each manufacturer. When cranking the engine over, you should see a small AC voltage pulse being generated from this component. The pulse generator creates the timing signal to the ignition module.

You can test the coils for resistance values on the primary sides, which are usually around .1 to .5 ohms. Being that both sides are dead, the common denominator is more likely the pulse generator or ignition module. DO check the condition of the KILL switch, Ignition switch and clutch/side stand switches and the wiring between them all. With most CDI ignitions, the KILL and IGNITION switches ground out the ignition system, which is not battery powered on a pure CDI ignition, but yours may be of a different design. I don't have any details on Kawasaki electrical system wiring.

A Kawasaki manual will give you all the values and steps you need to troubleshoot the system with greater accuracy. Check the web for any Kawasaki Vulcan forums.

Bill Silver