No expertise claimed, but I'll share my perhaps flawed concept of the respective ignition systems by Generations.
CAVEAT: Some technical discussion may follow (those offended by same may now averet their eyes).
A significant difference exists between the Generation 1 and the Generation 2 stators:
1. The older stator provides two separate sources of electric power; one, three-phase alternating current for charging the battery (routed to the rectifier/regulator for that purpose), and a separate alternating current power routed to the "igniter" (or Capacitive Discharge Ignition (CDI)) module.
2. The Generation 2 stator provides only three-phase alternating current power to the rectifier/regulator; the latter-day ignition is powered by 12-volt DC battery voltgage. (And, Kawasaki's own specifications notwithstanding, the Generation 2 KLRs don't have no stinkin' Capacitive Discharge Ignitions (CDIs); their ignitions are "
Inductive Discharge Ignitions," or as Kawasaki marketing has referred to the design, "Fully-Transistorized Breakerless Ignition (FTBI).")
Some operational consequences of the two designs:
1. The Generation 1 can be bump-started, independent of the condition of its battery; in fact, even in the ABSENCE of a battery, because its ignition is powered from the exciter coils of the stator, NOT the battery.
2. The Generation 2 MAY be bump-started, but . . . if the battery is LOW, the stator must overcome the charging burden of the battery, PLUS provide enough juice to fire the ignition. Significance: You might have to push the bike PRETTY FAST to get it to fire, if the battery's really, REALLY dead.
Is changing ignition systems/components INTER-GENERATIONALLY possible/practical?
A CDI implant on a Generation 2 would require a Generation 1 stator, a CDI igniter, and probably a Generation 1 ignition coil (the electrical specifications of the newer and older ignition coils vary greatly, the CDI coil functions as a "transformer," the Generation 2 coil more as an inductor).
So, what with the parts scrounging, wiring alterations, and probably some annoying difficulties/gremlins I haven't even thought of, might be better to just, "Dance with the one who brung you."
Summarizing, a Generation 1 can always be bump-started, regardless of the condition of its battery; a Generation 2 MAY be bump-started, provided the "bump" spins up the rotor sufficiently to overcome the load of the battery and additionally produce enough power to fire the ignition coil.
DISCLAIMER: My perceptions and opinions only above; corrections and clarifications welcomed, as always!