Motorcycle Repair: Ignition Coil, local bike shop, darwin australia

Question
I have a 1984 Suzuki RG250 I am working on to race for a bit of fun.  I was not able to start the bike and after investigation found the ignition coil had failed.  I received a price from the local bike shop of $300 Australian which is half what I paid for the bike.

Is it possible to use a coil off a similar size bike or does it have to be one specifically for this model?  I was hoping to source a Honda CBR or similar coil from a wreckers.

cheers,
Garth
Darwin, Australia.

Answer
Hi Garth,

Gamma's are awesome MC's. Wish we could have twin-strokes here in the USA. Very familar with RG500's from roadracing days.

Technically, primary and secondary winding resistance and winding turns ratio (output voltage) should match the specs of the Suzuki coil. (The TCI (CDI) may be damaged if another coil with different specs is used.) Motorcycle manufacturers have electronics made for them, so the chances are good that a coil from another MC will work. Just try and match them. I know... it's difficult if not impossible.

See if a coil from another Suzuki will work and then find the parts on a scrap yard MC.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively