condensors

Just put new condensors on before a 400 mile ride. For the first time the kickstand lever did not vibrate out to my leg. The point gaps hardly changed. before that the point gaps increased every ride. I think I was getting missed sparking at a level I could not feel and was causing vibration that moved the points on the points plate. I have ridden the bike 20,000 miles with the previous kickstand vibration, carefully setting points gap and timing every ride

Bad condensors make the points erode through excessive arcing.

Yep, they just filter the AC component that comes from the alternator. If AC is present the spark plug spark will have a orange,/yellow tinge to it - a sure sign your condenser is crap.
Harder for colour-blind people like me!
Cheers

Must say that just the other day noticed what the price of a condenser is now. Gasp....