Motorcycle Repair: rotor, crane hi, secret test

Question
yes im getting spark ,but its a somertime spark, soma time it spark, and soma time it dont, i got a crane hi-4 system, and i thougt it was the coil. because of backfire and runin like crap. but that was also soma time. so i changed the coil to a dyna, start up ran good . took it for a test ride and the thing just shut off while crusin in 5th. pulled over pulled the plugs checked this n that. 10min later started up and took it home .that was in october .doesnt seem like its something thats gettin hot and breaking down. so im stuck, spend 200$ for another module or 10$ for a rotor. as of right now i dont trust taking it around the block. the hi-4 has been on the bike about 4 yrs .dont have the stock Ing system anymore any light you can shed .  thankz again
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
thanks for the info on the voes switch. next question. on my 89 softail since there are no points to check. how does this ingnition system work , and is there such a thing as the rotor good or no ,is there a secret test to see if its doin its thing or not , thankz
-----Answer-----
Your ignition system works by a rotating switch that is located in the cam cover. It rotates and sends info to your ignition module which in turns tells the coil to fire.
Both can fail. If they do you dont get any spark.
Are you not getting any spark?
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

Answer
From what youa re describing it sounds like your ignition system is breaking down.
First, check all your wiring to make sure you dont have a short or a loose wire. I would change the ignition breaker. They can break down over time. You said you canged the coil, but did you change the plug wires also? You can test them, but if they are old I would change them.
Over time they break down also.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike