Suzuki Impulse GSX 400

[batliwala]

I use the bandit400 service manual as reference, very similar.

 

Great I am doing the same too..

 

Dear S750WP,

 

How much does a rectifier cost? My bike failed to start yesterday. I got it towed to Guan Hoe. The mechanic over there told me that the rectifier gives output of only 13volts and needs to be changed. I was surprised by his answer and told him it is normal for a rectifier to give output voltage of 13 volts. He then told me battery needs to be change and told me the repair costs will be around 450 dollars included towing charges of 30dollars.

Lol this bike shop is really trying to chop. they are quoting me 190 dollars for a rectifier, 80 dollars for a battery. I wanted to replace the spark plugs and air filter as I used to face loss of power at higher speeds, and going uphills with incomplete combustions and exhuast farting with dark fumes. quoting me 7 dollars each for NGK CPR8EA-9, total 28 dollars. Air Filter original cost 50 dollars. Plus 50 labour plus 30 towing bike to workshop.

 

I wish I could buy the parts and change myself how much do these parts cost? I know guan hoe is pulling fast one as the rectifier looks great no burn signs, battery also is fine I had no problems starting the bike the last 3 months I have been riding this bike. Could it be the 30 amps fuse?

 

Rectifier ?, I really don't know should be atleast 150 bucks

Battery ? around 60

Air Filter ? I learnt the price is around 35-40 dollars

Spark Plugs ( I learnt from earlier threads it is about 4-5 dollars for denso)

 

I can look for spares at KS Motor, AH boy, WEDA or FJT as suggested by you earlier. Guan Hoe now want me to let them know by Monday if I want to proceed. Somehow I am not feeling comfortable. If you have any solutions you can call me at Cheers

Edited December 5, 2010 by batliwala

[byte77]

Great I am doing the same too..

I can look for spares at KS Motor, AH boy, WEDA or FJT as suggested by you earlier. Guan Hoe now want me to let them know by Monday if I want to proceed. Somehow I am not feeling comfortable. If you have any solutions you can call me at Cheers

 

I suggest u seek for 3rd party opinions from Planet Motor's Ah Chong, or even tow it to him. He will investigate and not anyhow replace usable parts. He laughed at me before for getting some expensive parts from KS Motor.

At the minimum, give him a call at 90220203 and ask him the start failure and the prices of those parts. He is experienced in bandit and thus impulse too. He will be friendly to answer ur questions even though he doesn't know u.

Edited December 5, 2010 by byte77

[byte77]

Hi S750WP

 

My rear suspension absorber is quite 'low' now and cannot be adjusted anymore. Does refilling the gas for the suspension canister work?

Edited December 5, 2010 by byte77

[S750WP]

Great I am doing the same too..

 

Dear S750WP,

 

How much does a rectifier cost? My bike failed to start yesterday. I got it towed to Guan Hoe. The mechanic over there told me that the rectifier gives output of only 13volts and needs to be changed. I was surprised by his answer and told him it is normal for a rectifier to give output voltage of 13 volts. He then told me battery needs to be change and told me the repair costs will be around 450 dollars included towing charges of 30dollars.

Lol this bike shop is really trying to chop. they are quoting me 190 dollars for a rectifier, 80 dollars for a battery. I wanted to replace the spark plugs and air filter as I used to face loss of power at higher speeds, and going uphills with incomplete combustions and exhuast farting with dark fumes. quoting me 7 dollars each for NGK CPR8EA-9, total 28 dollars. Air Filter original cost 50 dollars. Plus 50 labour plus 30 towing bike to workshop.

 

I wish I could buy the parts and change myself how much do these parts cost? I know guan hoe is pulling fast one as the rectifier looks great no burn signs, battery also is fine I had no problems starting the bike the last 3 months I have been riding this bike. Could it be the 30 amps fuse?

 

Rectifier ?, I really don't know should be atleast 150 bucks

Battery ? around 60

Air Filter ? I learnt the price is around 35-40 dollars

Spark Plugs ( I learnt from earlier threads it is about 4-5 dollars for denso)

 

I can look for spares at KS Motor, AH boy, WEDA or FJT as suggested by you earlier. Guan Hoe now want me to let them know by Monday if I want to proceed. Somehow I am not feeling comfortable. If you have any solutions you can call me at Cheers

 

I agree with byte77 you get another shop to diagnose. Anyway the rectifier I bought for my bandit 400 a few years back cost $120 from KS. Yuasa Battery for my GSXR750WP cost around $65, should be cheaper for Impulse since the battery is smaller capacity. Not sure now as KS jack up the price compare to last time.

 

When rev engine the rectifier should give 14.5V output to charge the battery refer to the bandit manual anything below your battery is not charging. Also measure the rectifier 3 wires they should be open and not shorted.

 

My personal experience I did not change the battery when my rectifier spoilt on my bandit, I just replace a new rectifier on my own and charge the battery because the issue was my rectifier is not charging the battery hence the voltage has gone low unless your rectifier overcharge your battery i.e above 15.5V when rev engine then your battery may be damage.

 

For the spark plugs and air filter issue I suggest you hold on first, I can help you change for free. The air filter I heard from previous owner cost about $30plus only.

 

Prioritize to solve the bike non starting issue. The 30A fuse unlikely to blown unless you have recently meddle with the electrical wiring or install any device, but you can easily check on your own by opening the RHS cover, all the fuse are there.

 

Hope it helps.

[S750WP]

Hi S750WP

 

My rear suspension absorber is quite 'low' now and cannot be adjusted anymore. Does refilling the gas for the suspension canister work?

 

I suggest you vist Teck Thye the suspension specialist for opinion whether the shock is serviceable, else you may wan to visit Lim Ah Boy or JB for non oem compatible suspension for Impulse.

[batliwala]

I agree with byte77 you get another shop to diagnose. Anyway the rectifier I bought for my bandit 400 a few years back cost $120 from KS. Yuasa Battery for my GSXR750WP cost around $65, should be cheaper for Impulse since the battery is smaller capacity. Not sure now as KS jack up the price compare to last time.

 

When rev engine the rectifier should give 14.5V output to charge the battery refer to the bandit manual anything below your battery is not charging. Also measure the rectifier 3 wires they should be open and not shorted.

 

My personal experience I did not change the battery when my rectifier spoilt on my bandit, I just replace a new rectifier on my own and charge the battery because the issue was my rectifier is not charging the battery hence the voltage has gone low unless your rectifier overcharge your battery i.e above 15.5V when rev engine then your battery may be damage.

 

For the spark plugs and air filter issue I suggest you hold on first, I can help you change for free. The air filter I heard from previous owner cost about $30plus only.

 

Prioritize to solve the bike non starting issue. The 30A fuse unlikely to blown unless you have recently meddle with the electrical wiring or install any device, but you can easily check on your own by opening the RHS cover, all the fuse are there.

 

Hope it helps.

 

 

I felt handicapped without a bike for in hand for 3-4 days. Decided to go ahead with the repairs at Guan Hoe as I did not have much time to jump to other bike shops. Collected all the parts replaced from Guan Hoe. The bike seems to be working like a charm now no more farting noise from Exhaust. Engine kicks in 1-2 cranks during cold start and is smooth for the full range of rpm. Decided against changing the battery and keep the old one, but went ahead with the repairs at Guan Hoe. Ahmad was the mechanic seemed quite honest with his diagnosis and returned me all the parts replaced told me the engine is solid and rocking and no worries . The parts are pretty simple to change will slowly invest in a tool kit and believe in the DIY myself the battery change, spark plug change, radiator coolant, rectifier change all look pretty simple. Thanks for your ideas and appreciate yours and byte77s answer. Let's meet up some time for a cuppa coffee or a biking outing. 3 cheers mates for the help extended feel delighted with the spontaneous gesture ...

[batliwala]

I suggest u seek for 3rd party opinions from Planet Motor's Ah Chong, or even tow it to him. He will investigate and not anyhow replace usable parts. He laughed at me before for getting some expensive parts from KS Motor.

At the minimum, give him a call at 90220203 and ask him the start failure and the prices of those parts. He is experienced in bandit and thus impulse too. He will be friendly to answer ur questions even though he doesn't know u.

 

 

Ha ha I know Ah Chong as I had scrapped my Phantom few months back he told me spend 700 dollars for overhauling the engine or scrap and I opted for the latter. Thanks I got my bike repaired at Guan Hoe the rectifier was not giving more than 13volts output and the mechanic was right. With the blown fuse I should not be able to crank the engine, and I was able to do that with my bike. Anyway the filter and the spark plugs needed a change and were on my wish list. The rectifier came as a bomb and KS motor suggested what model rectifier I need the v model costs 150 dollars and VV model 190dollars. I did not have much time with a busy schedule I was burdened with. Decided to go ahead with the repairs at Guan Hoe and the bike in back in action and no longer farts. Anyways thanks m8 for your help appreciate your kindness and suggestions. Cheers again..

[S750WP]

I felt handicapped without a bike for in hand for 3-4 days. Decided to go ahead with the repairs at Guan Hoe as I did not have much time to jump to other bike shops. Collected all the parts replaced from Guan Hoe. The bike seems to be working like a charm now no more farting noise from Exhaust. Engine kicks in 1-2 cranks during cold start and is smooth for the full range of rpm. Decided against changing the battery and keep the old one, but went ahead with the repairs at Guan Hoe. Ahmad was the mechanic seemed quite honest with his diagnosis and returned me all the parts replaced told me the engine is solid and rocking and no worries . The parts are pretty simple to change will slowly invest in a tool kit and believe in the DIY myself the battery change, spark plug change, radiator coolant, rectifier change all look pretty simple. Thanks for your ideas and appreciate yours and byte77s answer. Let's meet up some time for a cuppa coffee or a biking outing. 3 cheers mates for the help extended feel delighted with the spontaneous gesture ...

 

How much did you paid for the repair? I am bikeless now, I have sold my Impulse and taking public transport for the past 2 weeks, damm sianz.

 

Looking to buy a CB600F hornet it was my dream bike during my class 2 days, but couldn't afford the price tag then. After 10 years the bike price now is comparable to Superfour but it seems very rare and difficult to find.

[acyasmodeus]

Anything like lose power, first thing to check are the spark plugs.

In rainy days, it is definitely the spark plugs got wet due to loosen caps.

Change spark plugs first.

If you spark plug rubber caps look very worn, go to KS Motor to buy the new spark plug caps and replace them. Don't worry the caps can last many years.

 

Each time after you or any mechanics changes the spark plugs, better examine by yourself that the rubber caps are tightly capped. Some mechanics don't bother but it matters to this bike in rainy days.

 

Thanks! have found out tt 1 of the spark plugs r burnt bcoz the bike shop i went to previously installed the wrong spark plugs!

[acyasmodeus]

Look at the side of your carb its at the float bowl, use a phillip screw driver to loosen to drain out the fuel. Experience it the bike choking after heavy down pour, I have since replace the rubber cab so far no issue after that.

 

it's a pity u've sold ur impulse. and thanks for the advice!

[batliwala]

How much did you paid for the repair? I am bikeless now, I have sold my Impulse and taking public transport for the past 2 weeks, damm sianz.

 

Looking to buy a CB600F hornet it was my dream bike during my class 2 days, but couldn't afford the price tag then. After 10 years the bike price now is comparable to Superfour but it seems very rare and difficult to find.

 

I spent altogether 350 singdollars for towing + labour+ rectifier+air filter+ spark plugs

[S750WP]

I spent altogether 350 singdollars for towing + labour+ rectifier+air filter+ spark plugs

 

that's a hefty sum to pay, could save at least $150 if you repair yourself.

[nuad]

found 2 impulses in my hunt, both at AMK autopoint , one very VERY nice cond one, sadly doomed for export ( that broke my heart ), outlook is very nice red/black stock paint, was offered 1+K (near 2k) for coe till early 2012, but ill be sticking to a bike to 2013-2014, so sadly, no . So there ya go owners, if u want a full bike of spares and have 2k lying around, you're welcome.

 

another is also a stock red/black impulse coe to 2016 receiving no power to the plugs thus can't start, apparently owner has left it at with Go Pa @ FSH a year + now and has given up on it, Go Pa tells me with 400-500 he can fix it + putting it back in running con, and is helping me enquire if the owner wants to sell.

 

dont think im comfortable with Go Pa though, never used his shop's services before but soudns abit exp? (but i havent heard cost break down from him yet, but if it includes all the needed servicing such as oil filters plugs coolant and battery i think its ok) but maybe if the owner wants to sell and if the price is right ill get it towed to planet and the trusty ah chong

 

anyone know's this bike's history? apparently the owner is a malay uncle, and he spent alot of money trying to get it started, changed rectifier and even the CDI

 

but according to Go Pa (he can't really describe the damaged part to me properly) he says theres a small part inside the engine that is responsible the the spark plugs thats not working? thats weird right ? magneto coil he means? i cant think of anything else "in the engine" rather than that.

 

i was thinking it could also be the spark plug ignition coil. but thats really rare to get damaged isnt it? but i guess its possible

 

PS: apparently the engine is turning over, but the plugs are not firing.

Edited December 9, 2010 by nuad

[nuad]

If i get an impulse i will spray it to this color

 

http://shop.yoshimura-jp.com/en/product/syousai.php?id=108

 

or this

 

http://blog.gootum.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/mocyc-blog-gootum-1224233526.jpg

 

so owners if u sell me your impulse, ill do it up!

 

oh btw, ive researched and apparently older sv650 and bandit 600's Rgv250's bandit 400's VVs front disc rotors are the same, you can reference from EBC catalouge, cant remember but i think up to the 2002 models (for the sv650's), so u can try ebay if u want spares. or u can go crazy and order the nice flower designs from EBC themselves.

 

http://www.ebcbrakes.com/catalogues.shtml

 

ie http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/SUZUKI-99-02-SV650-SV650S-FRONT-BRAKE-ROTORS-DISCS-SET-/390147182417?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5ad6958f51

 

or http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-02-Suzuki-SV650-S-Galfer-Front-Brake-Wave-Rotors-2-/350155691416?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5186e7d598

 

also anyone know of S4 showa shocks can be fitted on impulse? is the length the same? any mounting issues? anyone know?

Edited December 9, 2010 by nuad

[batliwala]

that's a hefty sum to pay, could save at least $150 if you repair yourself.

 

 

yep agree the labour and towing was itself 50+30, the bike shop mark up another 70 dollars on the spares itself.

 

sad that you sold your impulse, I was waiting to meet up with you and understand the bikes inner thingy.

 

I have no regrets my bike mileage has improved tremendously, and it gave me 260kmsfor 11.2 lts for running in the range 90-130km/hr. Will be saving a lot on fuel over a period of time and I should be able to recover back my costs. I was surprised by the improvement in mileage due to the change, spark plugs/ air filter / coolant / engine oil did the trick. No regrets!!!! The best bike I have owned so far. Great Bike, Great Mileage , Great Performance.. .... Upz for an Impulse again cheers

[S750WP]

found 2 impulses in my hunt, both at AMK autopoint , one very VERY nice cond one, sadly doomed for export ( that broke my heart ), outlook is very nice red/black stock paint, was offered 1+K (near 2k) for coe till early 2012, but ill be sticking to a bike to 2013-2014, so sadly, no . So there ya go owners, if u want a full bike of spares and have 2k lying around, you're welcome.

 

another is also a stock red/black impulse coe to 2016 receiving no power to the plugs thus can't start, apparently owner has left it at with Go Pa @ FSH a year + now and has given up on it, Go Pa tells me with 400-500 he can fix it + putting it back in running con, and is helping me enquire if the owner wants to sell.

 

dont think im comfortable with Go Pa though, never used his shop's services before but soudns abit exp? (but i havent heard cost break down from him yet, but if it includes all the needed servicing such as oil filters plugs coolant and battery i think its ok) but maybe if the owner wants to sell and if the price is right ill get it towed to planet and the trusty ah chong

 

anyone know's this bike's history? apparently the owner is a malay uncle, and he spent alot of money trying to get it started, changed rectifier and even the CDI

 

but according to Go Pa (he can't really describe the damaged part to me properly) he says theres a small part inside the engine that is responsible the the spark plugs thats not working? thats weird right ? magneto coil he means? i cant think of anything else "in the engine" rather than that.

 

i was thinking it could also be the spark plug ignition coil. but thats really rare to get damaged isnt it? but i guess its possible

 

PS: apparently the engine is turning over, but the plugs are not firing.

 

Post deleted due to duplicate

Edited December 12, 2010 by S750WP

[S750WP]

found 2 impulses in my hunt, both at AMK autopoint , one very VERY nice cond one, sadly doomed for export ( that broke my heart ), outlook is very nice red/black stock paint, was offered 1+K (near 2k) for coe till early 2012, but ill be sticking to a bike to 2013-2014, so sadly, no . So there ya go owners, if u want a full bike of spares and have 2k lying around, you're welcome.

 

another is also a stock red/black impulse coe to 2016 receiving no power to the plugs thus can't start, apparently owner has left it at with Go Pa @ FSH a year + now and has given up on it, Go Pa tells me with 400-500 he can fix it + putting it back in running con, and is helping me enquire if the owner wants to sell.

 

dont think im comfortable with Go Pa though, never used his shop's services before but soudns abit exp? (but i havent heard cost break down from him yet, but if it includes all the needed servicing such as oil filters plugs coolant and battery i think its ok) but maybe if the owner wants to sell and if the price is right ill get it towed to planet and the trusty ah chong

 

anyone know's this bike's history? apparently the owner is a malay uncle, and he spent alot of money trying to get it started, changed rectifier and even the CDI

 

but according to Go Pa (he can't really describe the damaged part to me properly) he says theres a small part inside the engine that is responsible the the spark plugs thats not working? thats weird right ? magneto coil he means? i cant think of anything else "in the engine" rather than that.

 

i was thinking it could also be the spark plug ignition coil. but thats really rare to get damaged isnt it? but i guess its possible

 

PS: apparently the engine is turning over, but the plugs are not firing.

 

I guess Gopa is referring to the signal generator located on the RHS of the engine, it sends a signal to the CDI which tells the ignitor when to fire, if that fail the signal generator needs to be replace.

 

Another area you may want to look into is the tachometer wire as this sends a signal to the CDI if the wire is broken the bike wont start too. I realized this when I connect the wire wrongly when I took out the cover to respray. When troubleshoot I read from the manual there is one wire that link to the CDI. But this is not likely to happen unless someone tampered with the wiring and accidentally cut it.

 

I think its a good buy since the seller has replace quite a few parts i.e CDI and rectifier hence the old one must be workable. If I were you I will ask Gopal to put back the original and give me the new one for spares, the CDI and rectifier cost a bomb for brand new.

Edited December 12, 2010 by S750WP

[S750WP]

yep agree the labour and towing was itself 50+30, the bike shop mark up another 70 dollars on the spares itself.

 

sad that you sold your impulse, I was waiting to meet up with you and understand the bikes inner thingy.

 

I have no regrets my bike mileage has improved tremendously, and it gave me 260kmsfor 11.2 lts for running in the range 90-130km/hr. Will be saving a lot on fuel over a period of time and I should be able to recover back my costs. I was surprised by the improvement in mileage due to the change, spark plugs/ air filter / coolant / engine oil did the trick. No regrets!!!! The best bike I have owned so far. Great Bike, Great Mileage , Great Performance.. .... Upz for an Impulse again cheers

 

Yes the Impulsed is a good bike, its powerful, low fuel consumption(for 400cc) and easy to ride, but decided to sell it as wanted to try other bike.

 

Let me know if you need more info on this bike, I'll do my best to help answer.

[S750WP]

If i get an impulse i will spray it to this color

 

http://shop.yoshimura-jp.com/en/product/syousai.php?id=108

 

or this

 

http://blog.gootum.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/mocyc-blog-gootum-1224233526.jpg

 

so owners if u sell me your impulse, ill do it up!

 

oh btw, ive researched and apparently older sv650 and bandit 600's Rgv250's bandit 400's VVs front disc rotors are the same, you can reference from EBC catalouge, cant remember but i think up to the 2002 models (for the sv650's), so u can try ebay if u want spares. or u can go crazy and order the nice flower designs from EBC themselves.

 

http://www.ebcbrakes.com/catalogues.shtml

 

ie http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/SUZUKI-99-02-SV650-SV650S-FRONT-BRAKE-ROTORS-DISCS-SET-/390147182417?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5ad6958f51

 

or http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-02-Suzuki-SV650-S-Galfer-Front-Brake-Wave-Rotors-2-/350155691416?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5186e7d598

 

also anyone know of S4 showa shocks can be fitted on impulse? is the length the same? any mounting issues? anyone know?

 

More Retro design for you

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u96/benithon/SUZUKIGSX400Impulse.jpg

 

http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic_bikes/gsx400s-impulse.jpg

 

http://www.kadnad.com/upload/ads_2/ads_27/ads_276/ads_2765/ads_27659/img_27659_1.jpg

 

http://www.motorcyclesdetails.info/motorcycles/img/2679_0.jpg

 

http://www.ccn.aitai.ne.jp/~winner/impulse400_060514.jpg

 

http://www.nikotama-kun.jp/0home/impulse400.jpg

[S750WP]

http://www.ccn.aitai.ne.jp/~winner/impulse400_060514.jpg

 

I have a CB400 Spec 3 exhaust which looks exactly like the 2008 Suzuki Impulse (as pic) for sale at $50, let me know if interested.

 

Seng Kwang can fabricate the flange for the 3 bolts to hold the end can with mid pipe plus installation for $220. Hence your old pipe still available for inspection.

[byte77]

Yesterday just did a few things in the 219 motorshop's branch at Jalan Besar, opposite to Thangam Food Palace, before and diagonal to Jalan Besar Plaza.

The prices are reasonable.

 

1. 2-point crash bar, fit nicely without soldering - $70

2. CB400 Spec 3 signals - $16x2+$12x2

3. rewrap seat and add extra foam - $30

4. gear shaft oil seal $7 from KS Motor

5. givi compatible rack $85.

6. labour $30

 

The old mechanic Edward seems to know the impulse well, will let him tune carburetor at $45 on next weekend.

Edited December 12, 2010 by byte77

[byte77]

I have a CB400 Spec 3 exhaust which looks exactly like the 2008 Suzuki Impulse (as pic) for sale at $50, let me know if interested.

 

Seng Kwang can fabricate the flange for the 3 bolts to hold the end can with mid pipe plus installation for $220. Hence your old pipe still available for inspection.

 

Can the CB400 Spec 3 exhaust pass the inspection for impulse? (i think why not)

[nuad]

i did ever ask ah chong about fixing a gsxr 400's exhaust to my ex-bandit, he said there are no problems if the bike is of the same cc.

 

but im not sure if he did mention if they had to be of the same make, ie suzuki to suzuki . was some time ago..

[nuad]

Yesterday just did a few things in the 219 motorshop's branch at Jalan Besar, opposite to Thangam Food Palace, before and diagonal to Jalan Besar Plaza.

The prices are reasonable.

 

1. 2-point crash bar, fit nicely without soldering - $70

2. CB400 Spec 3 signals - $16x2+$12x2

3. rewrap seat and add extra foam - $30

4. gear shaft oil seal $7 from KS Motor

5. givi compatible rack $85.

6. labour $30

 

The old mechanic Edward seems to know the impulse well, will let him tune carburetor at $45 on next weekend.

 

that seems like good price for a crashbar, may i ask if its the hollow or solid type?

[nuad]

I guess Gopa is referring to the signal generator located on the RHS of the engine, it sends a signal to the CDI which tells the ignitor when to fire, if that fail the signal generator needs to be replace.

 

Another area you may want to look into is the tachometer wire as this sends a signal to the CDI if the wire is broken the bike wont start too. I realized this when I connect the wire wrongly when I took out the cover to respray. When troubleshoot I read from the manual there is one wire that link to the CDI. But this is not likely to happen unless someone tampered with the wiring and accidentally cut it.

 

I think its a good buy since the seller has replace quite a few parts i.e CDI and rectifier hence the old one must be workable. If I were you I will ask Gopal to put back the original and give me the new one for spares, the CDI and rectifier cost a bomb for brand new.

 

thanks for the tips ! will do so if i do buy the bike, however not sure of the price yet.

 

im not good with bike electrics though, what is a signal generator? i googled but could not really find pictures to tell, cos i may go hunting at scrapyards to get a cheaper one, and visual identification is best i think.

 

is it another name for the magneto coil or plug ignition coil?

 

i know the function of the spark ignition coil is to transform volts to a higher voltage value to fire the plugs, so does not sound similar to what you're saying... i think. and its not located in the engine right? usually mounted below the fuel tank (at least for my hornet 250)

 

 

http://www.nichecycle.com/mmNCS/Images/24-72451_1.JPG

 

and a magneto produces electrical power by a magnetic field - creating alternating high voltage pulses to power the bike, sounds similar to a signal generator you are talking about... i think..

 

http://www.minghantrading.com/images/spare%20parts/m/002cg125Magneto%20coil.jpg

 

is it this?

Edited December 12, 2010 by nuad