The 89 should be like the earlier models, look at the CDI under the tank, look for a bullet connector with a black/white stripe wire. That wire is the "KILL" wire from the ignition switch (when off) and the handlebar kill switch. Disconnecting it will remove any kill function and the CDI should output on the orange wire. If still no output, check the stator plug and individual red and brown wires for an AC voltage while kicking. If you get an upswing of voltage from the trigger coils and the CDI output for the stator then you probably have a defective CDI.

I recently had the same thing, no output on the orange wire on an 84 and an 86 xt I am rebuilding. Both had bad CDI modules.

FYI, I am getting ready to test a new programmable CDI made by Zeeltronics. I currently have a Hyperpak from New Zealand and it works fine on both bikes. Once I install the Zeeltronics PCDI-HT I'll report on it. Cost is 150.00 euros, but you get full programmability if you wish, comes programmed ready to use however. You can set a rev limit, adjust the advance curve as desired and set a minimum cranking speed to eliminate kickback. Comes set at 250 rpm. If RPM is lower then no spark. Kicking RPM is usually much higher so no problem.

Programming can be done with a standalone handheld programmer or with a software program and USB interface cable. I use the USB cable and have another Zeeltronics unit on a different model bike which works perfectly. They have a very good track record and ship quickly. Programmer and or cable is optional extra.

I am in no way connected to them, get nothing for telling about them, I am just testing a unit that I had requested. They did not have a unit on the shelf but decided to build one in short order. They even bought an XT550 to test with.