No spark Kz200

[redkz200]

Just bought a 1979 kz 200 with 2300 miles, very clean well maintained, not running. Machine is all original but has not been run since 1986 cranks and has strong compression. Heres what i have: strong compression, fuel, power to left and right turn signal, horn, and starter motor. What i don't have : spark, power to headlight & brake light neutral light does not come on. My questions is this problem beyond a coil/plug wire ? does the fact that i have no head brake or neutral lights mean i have a bigger problem, or could the bulbs just be bad as its been sitting for over 20 years? i really would like to see this bike on the road any help would be greatly appreciated. thank you -

[650hardtail]

have you checked fuses...is kill switch in off position ??

[Mike900]

Do you have a voltmeter?

[redkz200]

kill switch as in off/run/off ? or is there another swith that i am missing ? i do have a volt meter, what should i look for ?

[Mike900]

Let's go after spark 1st. The two small wires going to the ignition coil are the primary side of the coils. One of those wires should have 12 volts with the key & kill switches (yes, off/run/off) on. The other wire goes to the points which will ground the wire as the crank rotates & complete the circuit. So check for 12 volts to one of wires (Red/yellow?). Then check continuity to the other wire (black?) as you slowly kick the engine over.

If you have 12 volts but not continuity then try cleaning the points & retry. Let us know what you find & we'll continue.

[MFolks]

On most Kawasaki's, the right handlebar has a switch housing with a run/stop switch. This controls the power to the ignition coil(s).

The older glass tubed fuses can look good but have failed internally, only by either using a multimeter set on ohms,a self powered test light, or checking the fuse metal end caps for tightness can you determine if the fuse is still good.

[zoro]

Originally Posted by redkz200

kill switch as in off/run/off ? or is there another swith that i am missing ? i do have a volt meter, what should i look for ?

You have an ignition switch,thats where the key goes, and theres a small on/off switch on the right handle bar, near the grip that energizes the ignition system once the key is on. Thats the "kill switch". It sounds like a dirty or corroded ignition switch to me. Spray some electrical contact cleaner into the back of the switch and rotate the key back and forth to clean contacts inside the electrical portion of the ignition switch, repeat if necessary and follow up with WD-40 throughout the switch. DO NOT ALLOW CONTACT CLEANER TO DRIP OR SPRAY ONTO PAINTED SURFACES!