Converting to electronic ignition

[Jean]

No bean cans in my garage, so I'm just gonna ask: It seems like the problem here is there are points that must be tinkered with inside the bean-can and that in itself makes it harder to do. Second, with an RT fairing, just getting to the front of the engine becomes more of a chore than say with an "s" bike or something unfaired.
Under those circumstances, I'd be looking for a reliable electronic system too.

[Matt]

the fairing lowers is a good point, it is hard to get inside that cover but just how often does one have to maintain the points on a well maintained bike?

[Jean]

Depends on usage. I manage between 8 and 10K miles.
Well-maintained implies you make sure all is in working order. On my /5, the thing I check mostly inside the front cover is the alternator and the weights in the distributor. While there, I check the points gap using a WIRE gauge.
The little rubber seal around the distributor area tends to get crumbly over time and does not do it's job.
Stuff can get in the points area since the bottom of the engine cover has vents. We have some annoying little black wasps that make mud nests in interesting places. Also wasps that make PAPER nests in more accessable places.
If I could figure how to post a picture, I'd put the picture of one of my headlight shells with such a nest inside.
went to change the bulb and....SURPRIZE! YOW.

[bmk12s]

I ran the beancan points for quite a few thousand miles before going electronic & found them easier to set up & maintain than the pre 79 in that you can remove the 'can from the bike to set/check the points on the workbench rather than grovelling around in situ on the bike.

To be fair on an UNfaired bike where you aren't doing lots of miles I have no issues with setting points once or twice a year on the other hand on a RS or RT doing the same job 5 or 6 times a year becomes a bit of a pain. Whether it's worth the cost of converting to electronic ignition is up to the individual

The ideal solution for me would be an reliable crank mounted set up at reasonable cost that kept the oem coils etc & allowed the points to be left in situ as a backup, which is why I'm quite keen to see how the sachse system performs with a few miles under it's belt.

[Jean]

"The ideal solution for me would be an reliable crank mounted set up at reasonable cost that kept the oem coils etc & allowed the points to be left in situ as a backup, which is why I'm quite keen to see how the sachse system performs with a few miles under it's belt."

Which is exactly what I did with my R100s over 25 years ago. I found the Dyna III paperwork and that date is noted on it.
Gee, all this time I've been calling it Dyna II. Oh well. After 25+ years you forget some of those little details, that's why I keep written notes.
The necessary parts to revert to the OEM points/Cap. set-up are sealed in plastic bags and stored under the seat. Haven't needed them yet. But I still have to look out for foreign waste and little bugs and their nests in the area, and replace that rubber seal every 10 years or so..

[Airbear]

If I could figure how to post a picture ...

Jean, for once I can help you with a tech issue. Please excuse thread drift.

There are other photo hosting services but I use PictureTrail http://www.picturetrail.com/
It's free, and you sign up just like you did for Boxerworks, with a username and password.
Then it is a matter of clicking on 'Upload Photos' and browsing your computer for the images you want to upload. Once uploaded, select 'Get Image URLs' and you are offered 5 options for the codes for a particular image. The third type is suitable for this type of forum -



The code starts with [IMG]. Highlight this code and copy and paste it into your forum post. Sounds complicated but by the time you have done 3 or 4 it will be a piece of cake. It's best to resize your photos to about 800 pixels wide before uploading.

I'll be happy to talk you through any difficulties - shoot me an email if you need help.

[Jean]

That looks easy Airbear.
One big problem now: I cannot find the picture. I think it might have been on FILM.
('member that?)

[Jean]

I resized my picture for a test.
I registered on picturetrail.
I tried to "Upload Photos" for nearly 30 minutes without success
THEN
I found (from picturetrail "Help") that picturetrail just doesn't get along with dialup.
Maybe I can find another photo-sharing site.
Ya'll don't hold your breath tho.

[Airbear]

Damn! Here's a site with a list of 15 free photo hosting sites http://savedelete.com/best-free-photo-s ... sites.html
Unfortunately the reviews do not indicate which may have bandwidth limitations. Good luck.
In the meanwhile, feel free to email images to me - I'll upload and send you the code by return email.
Address is cs1 (at) iinet.net.au

[The Raven]

I'm surprised you are going to EI. I actually pulled it off my G/S and it runs a LOT better on points. even starts better!!