Motorcycle Repair: 1980 cb125S wont start, kill switch, mounting bracket

Question
Hi Rich,

here's my problem. I purchased the bike knowing it wasn't starting, but
knowing only that the carburetor needed new parts. I put them in, and then
got a new battery, new plug. I changed the oil, put in new gas, turned it on
and tried to kick start it. Nothing. There is compression. the lights work, but
no spark.

I checked the timing on the points and checked their gap. I also tried to clean
them. I pulled out the plug to see if I got any spark at all, but no.

Should I check the ignition coil or is there a more likely culprit?
Thanks for any advice,

jeff

Answer
First, make sure you are getting 6 volts to the coil.  The black and white wire should have 6 volts all the time unless the kill switch is on.  If it's got voltage at the coil, see if the wiring going to the coil has voltage when the points are open.  If it doesn't, look closely at the points to make sure the connector for the point wire is not grounding out on the point bracket or point plate.  The connector should only touch the small contact screw and not any part of the mounting bracket or point plate.

Regards
Rich