ND or KD...No Markings on Generator

[Guest]

Wanting to start over with a Dyna to bring a 1979 GS550 back to life that basically came in a box (with not too many pieces either).
So I do as everyone suggests and look under the cover at the advance mechanism for either a KD or ND and not markings are there.
For those who know what they're looking at...can anyone definitively say which is it that I have?

In Appreciation...DSC08174.jpg

[UKPR1]

DSC08177.jpg
What differs in a ND from a KD, anyway?

Thanks again,

Geoff

[Big T]

a 79 550 came with points ignition

ND has condensors mounted with long side visible
KD has condensors mounted with ends visible

Someone already put an electronic ignition in yours

[UKPR1]

a 79 550 came with points ignition

ND has condensors mounted with long side visible
KD has condensors mounted with ends visible

Someone already put an electronic ignition in yours

Thanks for chiming in on this one Big T. So that kinda maybe confirms my suspicion that perhaps the engine is from a later 550 (based on condition alone). So does that mean a regular DS3-2 ND will do?

Thanks,

Geoff

[steveb922]

Does the engine have a kick-start? And which type of carbs do you have?

[UKPR1]

Nope...no kick start and I have to ay eyes on the carbs that came with the bike in a box...

...I’ll get back to you on that one.

thanks,

geoff

[UKPR1]

1.25" Mikis

DSC08179.jpg

[tom203]

Those are CV carbs.....found on 1980 and up.
It's likely that you have the stock ignition setup (ignitor and signal coils).

[Steve]

No kickstart also confirms an '80 or later engine. What is the serial number on the engine?

.

[UKPR1]

Soon as I get home, I'll check on that number...darn work...

[UKPR1]

Marked as GS550 173244

[Nessism]

What is the manufacture date of the bike (from the VIN label)? If it's 8/79 or later your bike is most likely a 1980 model year model. I think you need the ND version Dyna S. You might want to remove the advance governor and look for a manufacturers stamping.

[UKPR1]

Looked ad-nauseum. Nothing. Say I purchased the incorrect one...either ND or KD: would it be apparent in fit or function? Oh: and the manufacture date on the VIN is 11/79...

With Thanks,

Geoff

[Big T]

Why not ask Dynotech?
They have a tech Q&A

[Nessism]

Looked ad-nauseum. Nothing. Say I purchased the incorrect one...either ND or KD: would it be apparent in fit or function? Oh: and the manufacture date on the VIN is 11/79...

With Thanks,

Geoff

11/79 manufacture date = 1980 Model Year

Get the ND version. The KD business applied to points as far as I understand.