Signal Generator - Compatability

[mbopp]

Can some help me by telling me if a ignition signal generator from a gs650 is compatible with my 81 GS850? The part numbers in the schematics are not the same, but I know from past experience that this doesn't mean they are incompatible. Are there online resources for this stuff?

Thanks!

[rockford]

Probably

I don't know but would guess it would be compatible based upon what it does. Lots of compatible parts have different numbers. Some are new numbers that have superseded original ones and some were different to start with.

[t3rmin]

If it fits, it should work, AFAIK. But there are two styles, KD and ND, so get the same one.

[Nessism]

I don't have personal knowledge but from what I've read, the early solidstate ignitions used a mechanical advance whereas the later versions are fully electronic. My 1981 GS450 had a mechanical advance but I'm not sure when they went to electronic.

[t3rmin]

...but the mech advance and the signal generator plate are two different parts. If you get into replacing the igniter or advance you'll have to account for that, but the signal generator plate should be fairly universal (if it fits).

[mbopp]

Thanks, I do need to take into account the advance, which is mechanical on my bike. But is also mechanical on the 650. Do you think the advance is configured the same for both an 850 and a 650?

[t3rmin]

Can't you just leave the advance where it is? Otherwise you'd have to check the values of total advance and RPMs and make sure they match. The weights and springs control those things.