Motorcycle Repair: KX250 bogs down, stator assembly, kawasaki 250

Question
Hi Chris
I have an '83 Kawasaki 250 that is basically in very good shape, but I have a lot of trouble either getting it started, or after it starts it just bogs down and quits after a few minutes.  It seems to have a lot of power when it is running, but then bogs down at higher RPM's and as I give it more throttle.  I have cleaned the carb, and the reed valve looks good.  I have cleaned the rust out of the stator assembly, and changed the sparkplug.  When I remove the sparkplug and hold it against the engine there just doesn't seem to be a very strong spark.  The coil does not appear to be stock.  I am not very familiar with how the electrical system works and I have no idea what to try next.  I would appreciate your help.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Craig.
 You want to get the repair manual, if you haven't already done so.  Do the following tests on the system;

1)  Check the coil as per the proceedures in the manual and see if it is up to specs.

2)  Check all electrical connections in the ignition system.  Make sure that they are clean and tight.  Check the ignition fuse and fuse connections as well.

3)  Check for shorts in the ignition wiring from power to ignition switch to coil.

4)  Check the valve gap as well as valve and ignition timing.

Start with those and see what you find.
Good luck.
FALCON