Actually, the resistor wire is there to cut down the current the points are switching and keep them from burning up. And they will burn up in fairly short order if you run a full 12 volts to them. (ask me how I know...) The coil can take the voltage, it's the points that are sensitive. That is also why the condensor is in the circuit. It draws the current away from the points to prevent arcing when they open, and once again, getting burnt. With CDI ignition, the coil is often charged on the primary side with several hundred volts.

AV8TOR