Rustedrebel09
XS650 Member
Oh ok so I need a pma, correct?
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Morris magneto
- Thread starter Mikeyoung1138
- Start date
or a small battery doesn't need to be much a 12 volt nicad from a power tool would work...
If you have all the stock parts and they work just wire them up as in any diagram for your year bike shows.
There are many small batteries that can be used and they hide well.
Leo
There are many small batteries that can be used and they hide well.
Leo
Rustedrebel09
XS650 Member
Ok kool thanks guys. I've been itchin to ride it. I think I'm gonna get a small batt and try it out for now, but eventually I would like to go no battery with the hughs pma
Rustedrebel09
XS650 Member
What is the smallest battery I can get away with I only need a head light and tail/brake light. I'm trying to go as cheap as possible
mrriggs
XS650 Junkie
I ran my bike [with stock alternator] off a 9.6 volt RC car battery. It was only used to get the engine and alternator started [kick only]. A relay was triggered with the output of the alternator to disconnect the battery once running. It actually switched the battery to run through a diode and resistor so that it could "trickle" charge while riding. So, yes, the stock alternator can "run" battery-less, it just can't start without a battery.
There's spark ignition model airplane engines that have magnetos on them that gotta weigh no more than an ounce or two.
So even if a Morris magneto is as wonderful as it's claimed to be, why is the thing the size of a house brick?
So even if a Morris magneto is as wonderful as it's claimed to be, why is the thing the size of a house brick?
"So even if a Morris magneto is as wonderful as it's claimed to be, why is the thing the size of a house brick? "
mrriggs
XS650 Junkie
The Morris magneto is based on the Fairbanks Morse magneto that dates back to the 1930's. There was no such thing as "solid state" electronics when it was conceived. It gets the job done with brute force.
The model airplane magneto is actually a CDI which is more efficient. It works smarter, not harder.
Old mag
Pros: Rugged simplicity, retro cool
Cons: Big, expensive, lots of moving parts to maintain
New CDI
Pros: Cheap, small, no moving parts
Cons: Relies on sensitive electrical components
It's funny you mention the model airplane CDI. I have one sitting on my bench that I was going to adapt to fit an XS. A guy wanted me to make him something to replace the ARD ignition. He stopped returning my calls so the project never got off the ground.
When I was about 18 a friend of mine was holding an old magneto in his hand. Not a Morris but a magneto from a Harley Pan Head chopper we were working on. He had the wire in his hand so I asked, "What happens if I spin this?" just as I spun the gear on the bottom of the shaft.
I don't know why he became so angry with me, I was just troubleshooting. Turned out the magneto was good, the ignition switch was shorted out.
I don't know why he became so angry with me, I was just troubleshooting. Turned out the magneto was good, the ignition switch was shorted out.
Mikeyoung1138
XS650 Enthusiast
Can you use a Morris mag on an xs1?
Hi Mike,
you'd have to get the appropriate machining work done to the engine and an adapter made up just like on any other XS650.
I'd say the hassle of doing the installation and the cost of buying the magneto would kill the deal for most folks.
Hi mrriggs,
FWIW, the Morris magneto is perhaps twice the size of the BTH magneto that came stock on my BSA Gold Flash.
And back in the 1950s when I flew model aircraft our engines were glow-plug or compression ignition. The spark ignition engines
were run by old geezers who still used points/coil/battery-ignition engines from the 1930s
I don't see why not. They make a mag for the XS650 and it should fit all years. http://shop.morrismagneto.com/products/yxs-for-yam-xs-650s
Mikeyoung1138
XS650 Enthusiast
You definitely don't have to machine anything for it it's bolts on. I already own it but saw a deal on a xs1 motor.
Mikeyoung1138
XS650 Enthusiast
Plus I got the magneto a few months ago for a really good deal just waiting till spring to put it on my bike
Hi Travis,
seems my previous post (#32) was in error because Morris makes a version that bolts straight on.
And the price is at the high end of reasonable, too.
Makes my "no electrics" XS650 concept using acetylene lights and clockwork shutter signals almost feasible.
Mikeyoung1138
XS650 Enthusiast
Already had 2 pamcos just wanted to try something new
Here's member aaroffee's experience with a Morris magneto:
http://www.xs650.com/threads/xs650-morris-magneto.43883/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/xs650-morris-magneto.43883/
