Which coil?
 

I've just been quoted £80 for a set of coils for a 1989 Honda cd250u. Ouch! My question is can I use any 12v coil? What spec do I need to be aware of if this is the case? Cheers.:D

I can't really help, apart from wishing you luck, since these are really cool bikes. I think some googling might benefit you though...a quick search brought up this: Ignition Coil Honda CD250 1988-94 - Motorcycle Products Ltd

There may be some kind of generic coil which would work, try asking the knowledgeable folk across the ocean on Old's Cool - ADVrider