Spark Plug Wires

[Keener]

Not wishing to display my lack of technical knowledge online, I e-mailed Vic (admin) and asked if changing the original, 29 year old plug wires and caps would be of any benefit to Wanda. New Honda pieces were going to run about $150 and coils, if needed, a further $200.

His response was prompt, concise and understanding though he did ask that I pose my question and his answer here just in case other novices were asking a similar question.

You know my question so here is Vic's response (modified to fit the space available):

"If your bike is running good, why change anything? But, if your bike mis-fires in the wet or you get a lot of un-burnt fuel smell out the back, then in that case, the ignition system may need repair. Remove the false tank, then, after dark, while the engine is running, spray a fine mist of water over every section of the ignition system and look for spark leakage from the coils, wires and resistors. Even if you don't see any stray sparks, but the engine starts mis-firing, then you definitely need some ignition work. 7mm wires are widely available in many different configurations and colours. I would go for the metal core resistor type wires or carbon core wires which both act as resistors so you can eliminate the sometimes troublesome stock Honda resistors."

So, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? Vic has eased my mind about this matter and provided good insight and a simple test I can use should the need arise. Mind you, putting me in charge of a water-filled spray bottle and expecting me to aim it at electrical components may be asking a wee bit too much!

[Frank]

ya, people tend to get in trouble when they start fixing things that aren't broken