Motorcycle Repair: spark issues, ignition, spark

Question
I have a 1986 Honda Shadow vt500c and I'm having issues with spark and timing. On the front coil I have no spark unless I attach the rear coil wires to it. Also how can I check and re-time the motor attached to the bike? Any ideas or advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Thanks for re-submitting your question. Now I think I know what you mean.

I don't have any direct experience with VT500s, but the principles should apply.

You have proven that the coil isn't at fault. That means that the problem is either the pulser or the ignition's electronics. If your bike has the separate electronic ignition units a couple of inches square and about a half inch thick, try switching them. If the spark moves to the other coil the ignition unit that isn't producing spark is probably faulty. If the same coil sparks with either ignition unit the problem is in either one of the pulsers or the wiring between the pulser & the ignition unit.

I'm sorry, but I don't know how to adjust the timing of a VT500c. This information should be in the shop manual. I recommend getting 2 good shop manuals so that if you don't understand the explanation in one you you will probably be able to figure it out after you have read both.

Please let me know if this helps.