I thought about that because i work with audio gear and i knew that. But not knowing anything about ignition coils i just figured the manual had to be right. But if thats the case, what else in the ignition could be causing the sooty plugs? Any idea? It just can't be a fuel thing because it's both cylinders which rules out a carb problem, and add to that the fact the bike runs fine and the airway isn't blocked before the carbs and i don;'t see how it could be fuel. This is getting more and more confusing ! Anyways, i'll try the HT/graound check and let you know what i find in a few. I hope you're right, but then that means i'm lost again ! Thanks.