Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
I'm curious how that capacitor fits into the elec. ignition system and what role it plays.
Normally wouldn't the CDI unit do that job? I don't recall that unit being on either of my 640's ... but I did not know them very well. ('99 and '01) Both would kick start nicely on a low battery. (Duke ll and Dual Sport)
I'm wondering if that KTM will run with the battery dead like many Japanese dual sport bikes will? Perhaps that is the reason for a capacitor the size of a Beer can ... so it will kick start with a dead battery?
Any ideas? In the old days, capacitors like that would fry (from over heating) and leave you stranded. How's the reliability of that unit? Is the engine dependent on it to run?
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Actually it is about the size of a D cell battery...
I believe the Capacitor was added when they 640 moved to the Kokosan ignition... I believe it was a measure put in place so the bike could be started with a dead battery.. I know from experience that they will kickstart with a dead battery but are a bugger... A lot of guys install a shutoff switch on the headlight and say that makes it easier as the light is then not stealing from the spark...
As for reliability I haven't even thought about it, going problem free for over 208,000 km it is a forgotten item on my bike..
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