To much talk about ignitions........learn about what you have and need to do.........as the discussion seems to revolve around ignitions i posted this so you can do some research and get you ducks in a row......
learn to continuity test
http://www.xs650.com/threads/continuity-testing-made-easy.49917/
Use the lowest Ohm setting. In the tutorial i didn't. The lower the setting the more sensitive it is to picking up resistance, (resistance is when the wiring or coupling restricts the flow of the current between point A and point B)........and go through the whole loom/harness and clean and/or repair all connections, both bullet connectors and couplings. These can be just a worn or old connector, broken wires or corrosion/oxidization around the connector
Continuity test between all connections, where a wire goes through a switch, test up to the switch then the wire on the other side of the switch. When this is done then test the wire from each end through the switch. If there is resistance the switch need to be taken apart and cleaned.
The condition of the bike when you got it it would be a given to dismantle all switches, inspect for broken wires and clean all contacts
Remove all grounds/earth
http://www.xs650.com/threads/grounds-so-important.41775/
connections, clean the contact points on the frame and wiring. make sure there the earth/ground is tight when reinstalling
http://www.xs650.com/threads/wiring-harness-musings.18925/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/guide-...checklist-for-the-condition-of-your-find.367/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/bike-wont-start-running-rough.390/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/troubleshooting.2736/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/what-happens-when-you-turn-your-key-on.9625/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/grounds-so-important.41775/
http://www.dansmc.com/electricaltesting.htm
http://www.xs650.com/threads/expanded-charging-system-guide-in-progress.10561/
Not going to post about any other ignition systems as there are so many and doing this will get your bike going
Points related
http://www.xs650.com/threads/timing-basics.1984/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/hooking-up-a-tach-and-dwell-meter.54734/#post-592888
http://www.xs650.com/threads/help-setting-points-in-the-f-range.30100/