Coil interchangeability

[1948man]

I have an '83 1100GL 8 valve bike. The Alpha Sports fiche shows both coils identical with a part number of 33410-34210. The same fiche shows the 16 valve 1100ES with 2 different coils (maybe just different orientation) having part numbers 33410-49210 and 33420-49210. Anyone know if the coils from the ES would be suitable for my GL as long as the bolt holes line up?

[hikermikem]

The stock coils are all the same - 5 ohm coils. They are inter-changeable; if the bolt holes don't line up, some members will zip-tie them to the frame.

[koolaid_kid]

Ummm, I believe the 5 Ohm coils are for the points engines, 79 and older. 80 and newer are 3 Ohms and have an electronic ignition.

[hikermikem]

Ummm, I believe the 5 Ohm coils are for the points engines, 79 and older. 80 and newer are 3 Ohms and have an electronic ignition.

You are correct, but the "stock" coils are all the same for the pre & post '80 bikes... they will measure between 3-5 ohm & are generally refered to as 5 ohm coils.

However, when replacing the coils with "aftermarket" ones like Dyna or Accel, most use 3 ohm coils for bikes with "stock" electronic ignitions (non-points bikes), or to facilitate the use of an aftermarket ignition if needed/wanted.

3 ohm coils will burn out a points ignition unless a resistor is used.

[fishfarm]

I just measured my coils while I have the tank off for carb sync. Readings were 4.8 ohms and 4.9 ohms.

(BTW, the G&S Suzuki fiche shows our coils as 33410-31311 (replaces 33410-34210).

[1948man]

Thanks. It sounds like almost any GS coil that will bolt in will work and I guess you could even zip tie them in.