electronic ignition?

Hi guys a new owner of a 1975 Z1 Kawisaki to put back into shape. This bike has been stored for 24 years. I received it gratis from a uncle. Problem 1 I have fire to the points, but will not start : I have shot starting fluid in the cylinders. I assume the next step is to check the coils and battery charge output. I have also heard on these bikes that you have to ground both wires on the firing side of the coil to check for spark. Any help would be appreciated as I have never had to work om a bike before.


seperate note, If I change to electronic ignition I will need the pickups and a ignitor right?

Welcome to KZR 1petree. First suggestion I would make is to get a shop manual for it if you don't already have on. You should be able to find a Klymer's if not an original on Ebay. All you have to do to check spark is pull a plug, reconnect the wire and lay the plug on the engine and crank it with the ignition and the kill switch both turned on. As far as changing to electronic ignition, a lot of us use Dyna systems. Among other places you can find that at z1enterprises.com.
Oh, WE NEED PICTURES,,

I will get pics up soon. It is not in too good a shape right now. I hope with a little guidance from friends and hopefully people in here I can get it fixed up pretty nice...

Thanks Chuck

I am looking at getting a dyna s from a local dealer for $145.00 Don't think that is too bad...

1petree wrote:

...am looking at getting a dyna s from a local dealer for $145.00....

another option

Patton wrote:

1petree wrote:

...am looking at getting a dyna s from a local dealer for $145.00....

another option

O.k. today I pulled the plug wires and plugs and put the plugs on the engine casing. I have fire on 1 and 4 and no fire on 2 and 3... Leading me to believe I have a bad coil on 2 and 3... I also noted though that it looks like the coil for 1 and 4 has some how should we say thick liquid that has escaped it's casing as well... Think I should change both coils or just one?

Thanks Chuck

Z1E lists pair of Dyna coils for $120.

Pair of Dyna Coils

Would also go with Dyna solid core plug wires which are delivered with caps already built in.

Perhaps your points ignition is okay for now -- just clean and gap points, and then set timing with a strobe light (can also see advancer unit operating).

Dyna plug wires

Or Red or Yellow if preferred.

Would choose solid core rather than suppressor (resistor) style.

Good Luck!