Motorcycle Repair: poor performance, kawasaki concours, bike bandit

Question
I have a 2000 Kawasaki Concours w/45k miles.  The engine has recently developed an ignition miss that is present on all plugs as best I can determine by hooking an ignition timing light on each plug wire.  It is most pronounced around 3500 RPM.  I checked resistance across the pulse generators and it is within specs per the factory manual.  I also checked resistance across the many terminals of the ignitor, some of which met spec and some were way high.(140k ohms)  I don't have a lot of confidence in these readings on the ignitor since the manual states that readings may be different if Kawasaki's special tool isn't used. I first noticed the problem about 200 miles ago and it seems to be getting worse fast.  Any help with this is appreciated.

Answer
Hi Allen,

You're on the right track with diagnosis and testing. Kaw's disclaimer about the special tester is true. When I worked with Kawasaki and used the "special tool" (VOM) I felt a lack of confidence with readings taken compared with Service Manual specs. Even air temperatures can make a difference between meters, let alone meter battery condition, internal resistance tolerances, etc... I had the luxury of checking the suspect part with a known good unit.

All I can say is continue to moniter the symptoms. Measure component resistance and keep a log of your measurements including temperatures. Use throttle opening positions as well as rpm when describing problems.

See microfiche parts here: "www.buykawasaki.com" or "www.bikebandit.com"

Once Kawasaki's site opens, click green text "Vehicle Information" from the menu, and then "View Parts Diagram" from the menu. A new page opens, select "Motorcycle" from the menu, (or enter your VIN for the “history” of your MC). Select the year, make and model from the menus that follow.

With Bike Bandit, click "OEM Parts" and then select your MC from the menus that follow.

Visit: "www.electrexusa.com" and check out their troubleshooting chart. This company produces fine electrical components.

My email address is: mshively1@woh.rr.com

Keep me advised on your progress.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively