Topica Loopframe_Guzzi Archive


Subject: RE: justification for electronic ignition?

Author: Dave Guilfoyle

Date: Sep 16, 2003, 3:22 AM

Post ID: 1714535814



Excellent justification! I'm not convinced, but great effort.

Here's my experience with electronic ignitions on old bikes:

I was always against putting electronic ignition on bikes that
originally came with points for many of the reasons already posted:
possibility of module failure, can't see stuff moving, too much plastic,
etc.

But I bought a 1977 BMW 'bout 8 years ago that already had a Boyer
Branson ignition installed. I immediately went out and bought a used
point plate, etc. and carried them around, sure that the electronic
system would fail and I would be stranded. After about 3 years of
flawless performance, I threw away the extra points.

When I bought my Triumph I also bought a Boyer for it and it has worked
great.

I won't buy the Harpers set because it only solves half of the old bike
points problems. It replaces the points but leaves the mechanical
advance in place. I have already had to work on the mechanical advance
on my loop so I know it can be a problem. What I like about the Boyer is
it replaces the mechanical advance as well as the points. You just set
the total advance and forget about it. A Boyer system also costs less
than $150 total.

So, until Boyer makes a set for the Loops, or somebody comes up with a
reliable total electronic system (neither very likely, just not a big
enough market), I'll stick with the original setup. Just have to keep
cleaning and lubing the advance, and setting the points.

And if you believe the hotter spark, better gas mileage claims of
aftermarket manufactures, then I figure my bike ought to be putting out
200 hp and getting about 75 mpg !!

Let us know how it works out, I'm curious.


Dave Guilfoyle "Guilly"
71 Ambo (finally RUNNIN!)
71 Ambo basket case (Gotta have at least TWO!)
71 Trimph Chop
77 BMW Airhead
"Red Hair and Black Leather,
my Favorite Color Scheme"

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