'79 CDI question

[Guest]

G'day,

This is most likely a dumb question, but is there a CDI / Ignitor on a '79 850? I can't see on in the wiring diagram. If it doesn't has one....why doesn't it need it?

Cheers

[Baatfam]

Because it has points....

[Steve]

There are absolutely NO GSes that left the factory with a "CDI".

Starating with the 1980 model year, there was a box of transistors that replaced the points of earlier years. That box of transistors was known as an "ignitor". A rather unfortunate choice of words, as it did not ignite anything, it merely controlled current through the coils, just like the points did.

The question would remain whether you truly have a '79 850. Have you verified that you DO have points? Even easier: do you have a kick starter? If so, you do have a '79.

The uncertainty is because there are many locations that will register a vehicle either based on the year of manufacture or the first year sold. Since production of the 1980 GS850 started as early as August or September of 1979, they would have a '79 production date and might be registered as such. There are many other details that will identify a '79 850, but the kick starter is quickest and easiest.

.

[SaltyDog]

Thanks....knew it was a dumb question!

Steve, I know I have a '79 for certain (kickstart,etc.) but I did have a '82 which did have the igniter so I was wondering if I was missing something.

Cheers

[Steve]

The only "dumb" question is the one that you don't ask because you think it's "dumb".

You now know a bit more about the details of the ignitor, so it was not wasted effort.

.

[Rob S.]

The only "dumb" question is the one that you don't ask because you think it's "dumb".

I used to tell my classes, "there are no dumb questions, only dumb teachers."

And:

Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. And those who can't teach, teach gym.