My 650R has a condenser. It has a broken wire that I can't fix, it snapped where it goes into the condenser. What does a condenser do? Found one on fleabay for $30 or new for $60-80, which to buy? Can it go bad(other than broken wires)? Could this be why I don't get spark?
It would be an awesome Christmas present if that was the problem.

 

Yes, you need that for spark.
I'm not sure what mf rating that condensor is rated at, but, I bet any condensor from an autoparts store would work.should be cheaper than $10.00
marc

 

Sweet! Thanks Marc, I'll hit NAPA before I order any parts.
At least now I know one problem. I hope that's the big one.
I hope that means the sweet roar of a big single will soon fill my house!
I need to know it runs before proceeding to order all the little bits it needs.

 

A condenser increases contact breaker (points) life by reducing arcing across the contacts. It acts like a capacitor to absorb excess current.

 

Do we have points?

 

Condenser...are we talking about a condenser like for a points ignition system or something else? How old is this bike? Just curious.

 

It's a 93 KLX650R, the part diagram calls it that, I wouldn't have had a clue what it was or does. I have a very slim grasp on how ignition systems work.
Since there isn't a sub-forum for the 650 I thought all of your guys experience here would prove fruitful.

 

I had a 1983 Iron Head Sportster. It had points and a condenser. HD wanted $60.00. Chevy 250 6 cylinder points and condenser, about $20.00. Had the bike for 12 years, never had a problem. Just have to find something with similar ignition current capability/capacity (amps/volts/ohms).

 

MP, I'm fairly positive that the '93 KLX650 has electronic ignition. I looked at the page on Bike Bandit that had the ignition system and didn't see a condenser. What section on the parts diagram are you seeing the condenser?

 

It was in the generator section. Part #21013 in the drawing.
I have had 2 answers about it running without it. One yes and one no.
I'm pretty sure it does have electronic ignition because it has the "black box". I guess I should have left out the ignition system comment, it's just where I expect my problem is, since I don't have spark. The PO said it ran until he crashed, then he couldn't start it afterwards. That led me to look for simple things, like busted wires. Guess I need a real service manual for all the test procedures on the electrical crap.
Was hoping to get lucky and find an easy electrical problem as to why I can't get spark.
I guess I'll go back to parts drawings and sit by the bike and ID parts and inspect them.
Someone hacked the wiring harness to add a light using speaker wire.
Looking at fleabay I found a wiring harness and condenser, and am looking for a pulse coil (source of spark, yes/no?).