your information is correct.
in 1990, yamaha changed the ignition system from cdi (capacitive discharge ignition) to the more advandced battery ignition. only the tenere 3AJ and the kick-start version of the 3tb model where still equipped with the old ignition system at that time.
the cdi untis are assembled from 'old-fashioned' electronic stuff, lots of resistors, capacitors etc. while in the battery ignition also pics are used.
it seems that the latter one are more reliable than the old cdi units (although even here ignition is not a common trouble-maker i would say from my experience).
the big advantage of the cdi units is that ignition works independent from battery, so even with broken battery you are able to ride.
and in case the cdi doesn't work it is relatively simple to substitute it. there is a french guy who has developed a basic cdi which you can build yourself and which will enable you to reach the next town, at least.
if i were to ride around the world with xte, i wouldn't take a spare ignition box with me. it's very unlikely to get trouble from this. and even if so you will find an internet-cafe somewhere out in the desert and than we will see what we can do.
best regards
klaus
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