will a cdi make my 96 xlt 600 quit and not start? is there any way to test it?

not for the cdi-stator and trigger does have tests.unhook the big black wire going to the handlebars fron the engine harness and see if you have spark then.its a single wire with a bullet type connector near the stator plug.could be a short in the throttle switch or kill switch.or handwarmers or ignition switch.unplugging that wire disconnects those switches from the stator.