Kojack
XS650 Enthusiast
Color me wrong. I had looked at the 500 thumper boxes (I own several now XT and a SRX) but did not know about the E model having CDI. That's 2 years before the XS650 was equipped with E Ignition. I guess this low-hi pickup thing was the only way Hitachi could do it.
Actuality 70 pounds (~$90-$100 225CDN - 500CDN is not a bad deal for a somewhat proper CDI for the 500.
Remember the CDI ignition coil is too low of an impedance to work reliably with the Gonzo Box so that cost also has to be taken into account.
On the other hand a cross species Gonzo transplant would be cool.
With shipping from the UK it's $145. Still not bad compared to the prices being charged for used CDIs. When I started this adventure I wanted to see if my "parts bike" would run. The success that the GY6 ignition enjoyed being adapted to other machines got me curious and at under $20 I figured it was worth a shot. In that respect the experiment was a success. The bike's motor seems to be in sound condition and I have a cheap, functional ignition system, albeit with a two step advance instead of a curve. Then I heard about your experiences with the Gonzo ignition. My curiosity was piqued. I now have all the necessary parts, including a suitable coil, assembled and hope to get it installed by spring. I'm having a good time playing with this old junker and so far I have less than half the cost of the proper CDI invested in both systems. Win-win in my book.