How did you determine that it is bad?

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I took my bike to a Kawasaki shop because it wouldn't start, and that's what they told me. It was running great...and then not at all. I was stuck at work because it wouldn't start. It seemed like it wanted to but there was no spark.

 

It seemed like it wanted to but there was no spark.

Please describe what this means as closely as possible. There might be hope yet.

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OK, when my bike wouldn't start it kind of seemed to me like it might be my battery so I got a jump. It was trying to start, however it just wouldnt turn over. I checked the fuses and they were all good so I called a friend with a trailer to come help me out and he knows a whole hell of a lot more about motorcycles then I do. He check to see if there was a spark by pulling the spark plug(s) out and arcing it with his pocket knife and there was no spark. He did this on both sides I juess to make sure it wasn't the ignition coil?? Sound right?
My dad gave me the bike a few years ago. He put 140,000 miles on it...

 

140,000 miles? Really? Wow!
First thing, never test a solid state ignition with a jack knife as that very well can cause ignitor damage. If you want, I can guide you through a few tests to verify that the ignitor is really bad and the dealer just did not write it off without actually testing.
If you are game, I am willing...



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Sfair, I really appreciate the offer and I would be game but my bike is still in the shop. I talked with my friend about what you mentioned and he trusts the place 100%. Even so, I did some research on line and got a little more in formed on the CDI box and I'm comfortable with the diagnose. I also spoke with the dealer/shop and I believe they are doing all they can to get my bike running. They found a CDI box at a salvage yard in Georgia and it's on it's way. I just hope it's a good one.
yeah, 140,000 miles. I think he's got about 40,000 on his new one...

 

That is OK. Post back on how you make out.

 

I will do so. Thanks so much for your concern and wanting to help.

 

WHATEVER you do, do not buy a used CDI from Steves Cycle Salvage in Tifton Ga. I need to replace mine on my 98 1500 classic. they sent me a used one and "guaranteed" it to work. it did not work, and they refused to send me another one or refund my money. this place will rip you off. they dont manufacture a new one for my bike, so i have been on the salvage yard hunt for one the last week. couple of good leads, just type in cycle salvage in google and start there if you decide ot replace it. good luck with it, and remember Steves Cycle Salvage in Tifton will cost you money and misery!

 

Are you SURE the ignitor is bad?
How did you test?

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Thanks a lot...what a pain in the ass it has been over this CDI box. It's hard for me to understand why Kawasaki quit making them...

 

looking for a stock CDI

i bought a 2000 vulcan 1500 not knowing it had a aftermarket cdi on it and it is not the right one for it it has a dyna 2000 which someone told me it was for a sport bike or a four cyclinder the dyna 3000 is the right one for it but i would like to have a stock one im not sure but i think from 1998 to 2004 would interchange like i have said really not sure anyway if anybody has put a aftermarket cdi on their bike and would be willing to part with their stock one leave a post.....

 

Ya I have a 97 Val can 1500 same thing can’t find a ignighter. Need to run fuel pump. Any one give advice Thanks

 

97 Kawasaki VN 1500 VN1500 D Vulcan admission igniter CDI box ECU computer | eBay

 

Igniter VN1500 Vulcan Kawasaki this is the guy who makes the replacement units. he also repairs cdi units.

 

I recently parted out an '87 model, not sure if the TCI is the same on that one. It has the vacuum port right on the box.