Hey, all. Let me start off by thanking all the contributors to this forum; links to service manuals and searching 3ww helped my new to me185s go from rotting for 20+ years to running again. Until now...

I installed a new coil when first the bike. After 15 or so hrs of run time stopped getting spark. Specifically, while riding the machine it "died" for a moment, i.e., seemed to skip combustion for a few rotations, then started banging away again. About 1/4 mile down the trail it died for good. No coughing, no sputtering, just dead to a rolling stop. Tried turning her over, nothing.

Once home, I checked the coil and read about 2,540 ohms on the secondary circuit (spark plug wire with and without boot). I was expecting 5-8000 ohms, so I called this a successful diagnosis and ordered another coil. Fast forward, got spark with new coil as tested using in in line spark plug tester. I got her running for a few seconds, but she wouldn't rev up and died. Once again, no spark. Tested the new coil and same reading as the old one of
about 2,540 ohms.

My first question: is 2,540 all I should expect out of these cheapo Amazon coils? Or do I have 2 bad coils reading the exact same resistance? Forgive my ignorance on this, tracking down electrical is new to me.

I also checked the on/off switch, pulser, and AC exciter circuits- all within specs. I ordered a 10 dollar CDI, too, as I can't believe I had back to back coil failures.

It might be important to note that I measured no continuity on the lighting circuit on the AC generator. I don't believe this would play any role in my loss of spark, correct? I haven't even installed a light bulb on this machine yet so didn't know there was an issue with the lighting circuit.

Thanks all for your input