Motorcycle Repair: Electrical issue, honda xl500r, spark plug wire

Question
Hi Mike, I'm restoring a 1982 Honda XL500r and was having pretty good luck right up to starting it. I have power to the ignition but am pretty sure I'm not getting spark and remember once before replacing the "CDI" for some kind of similar issue. Am also wondering if I should replace the wire from the coil through the plug connector. I also was able to find a wiring diagram but cannont locate mates for 2 wires coming from the back end of the bike emmanating from the main trunk of wires, one has a connector and the other is a cut line. I also have been unable to get the turn signals to function and have been unable to locate a turn signal relay indicated on the wiring diagram.

Thanks, Ray

Answer
This is pretty much impossible to answer without looking at the wiring schematic and me being physically at your bike, unfortunately. But if you have a couple of cut wires at the rear of the wiring harness, chances are someone removed the turn signals and flashers at one point in the bike's history (I'm assuming you are not the original owner).

As for the ignition trouble, it could be one of many components at fault - spark plugs, wires, coil or CDI unit. Try cranking over the bike with the spark plug removed, but still connected to the spark plug wire and the threaded part of the spark plug firmly placed against the motor's cooling fins. Wear rubber gloves for this part so you don't get a shock! If you don't see a spark at the electrode, check to see if there is voltage present at the coil input. If there is voltage at the coil but no spark at the plug, chances are the coil needs replacing. However, if there is no voltage at the coil, the CDI unit is probably at fault.