Need help: plug wire question

[Guest]

So I have a 1979 GS 425. I have replaced the mufflers with Emgo shorties (with baffles), replaced the intake with Uni filters, and tuned it with 135 main jets. I noticed that the left side exhaust was popping a bit so I checked the plug wire. It's broken and I need to replace it. So my question is, can I replace just the plug wire on that side? Should I replace both? Should I get an entire ignition system upgrade? If so, what upgrades are out there and where can I get them? Any help/input is appreciated.

[Steve]

One part of me says "if only one wire is bad, fix one wire", but the other side of me says "if one 36-year-old wire broke, the other one is probably not far behind".

You should know, though, that removing the wires from the coils is no picnic. They are epoxied into place, making them VERY difficult to remove, let alone gracefully. It is possible, but not easy. There is a threaded spike in the coil, onto which the wire is threaded, so dig carefully when you are trying to remove the wire.

New coils would also be an option, but they are not all that cheap.
(The only thing that is "cheap" on a GS is the nut that holds the handlebars.)

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[60ratrod]

If you are going to upgrade coils, dyna coils are always a popular option. You will need the wire kit for the coils though

[sivilized]

Thank you both for the advice. Anyone have a link to a replacement dyna system?

[60ratrod]

since your ignition system is operational, i'd just do the dyna coils. I don't know the ohm spec on a 425, but if it's like most, dyna 3.0 ohm coils and their wire kit will suffice

[Steve]

If you have points, go with a 4 or 5 ohm coil, if you have electronic ignition, go with the 3 ohm coil suggested.

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