Just got a free xs650 with missing ignition, best option?

AdamRoy

AdamRoy

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Hi all! (new to forum and 1st post)

A friend of mine gave me a 1980 XS650 and after dismantling the motor for inspection, I found out that there is nothing under the cam shaft cover (as shown in the picture)....so no ignition system.

So far, I plan on doing the banshee mod but I still have to figure out what ignition system I want to install on this bike. Go with the OEM or upgrade to electronic?

I did my homework by reading a lot on the available system on the market, but since there is nothing in there, not even the auto advance unit rod, I tought that maybe some of you would suggest me the best option based on cost and reliability.

Thank you!!
xs650 no ign1.jpg
 
if the standard charging system is still fitted its perfectly adequate .
Looks like the previous owner removed and kept the expensive electronic ignition system

I would keep the existing TCI charging system and spend my money on an electronic ignition and advance system like a Boyer Bransden
http://www.boyerbransden.com/yamaha.html
or our very own Petes PMA & E advance system
(link corrected thanks solo)
http://www.yamahaxs650.com
 
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The 1980 G and SG's were the first 650's to use Yamaha's first generation electronic ignition. TCI stands for Transistor Controlled Ignition. Look at the alternator on the left side of the crank. If you have the TCI Crank Position Sensor (green arrow), then look for the TCI control box mounted to the bottom of the battery box. If it's there, I'd just stay with what you have. It's a pretty good system.
IMG_20190422_111208.jpg
 
Downeaster said:
^^^ This. Perfectly normal for an '80 model.
Click to expand...
Well when I took the cover off my 1981 it had parts in there, but then a little checking and going by the S/N the engine was originally from I believe a 1977.
When I say there was parts in there not everything but did have the advance weights and shaft, just going along for the ride!
 
Jim : Do I understand that if I got the crank position sensor (wich I do but the wire is cut), it is normal that I don't have anything attached to the cam shaft, under the cover?

Thanks a lot to everyone, I'm still at the start of the learning curve for this bike and I greatly appreciate your quick answer!
 
If you don't a have a working TCI box (black plastic box about 3" x 4" x 1" thick, 6 or 8 wire plug on pigtail, originally mounted to bottom of battery tray) then you have lots of choices for electronic ignitions.
 
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Since the rotor/stator are in very bad shape (lot of corrosion), it may be a good idea to switch to the banshee mod and buy the XSCharge Complete ignition kit and advanced assembly. Is there something that I'm missing?

Also, It's a bit sad that XS650direct does not sell the ignition kit alone and Mike's XS does not sell to Canada. Only one to have it available to canadian is TCBros.

Thanks again! :)
 

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Yes you are missing many warnings that the XS charge ignition system has had lots of failures recently. Pretty sure www.yamahaxs650.com will sell pamco to canada You might want to look at Hoos racing crank fired ignition as well. GO TO electronic advance, don't dick around with a mechanical advance!
 
Aside from the cut wire, are you sure you don't have a working electronic ignition (TCI variety) in there somewhere already? Is the black plastic box Gary described attached to the underside of your battery box? All in all it seems to be the most problem-free ignition.
 
Thanks fo
gggGary said:
Yes you are missing many warnings that the XS charge ignition system has had lots of failures recently. Pretty sure www.yamahaxs650.com will sell pamco to canada You might want to look at Hoos racing crank fired ignition as well. GO TO electronic advance, don't dick around with a mechanical advance!
Click to expand...

I think you're right about going with the electronic advance, if it's reliable, it's way better. So far, with all the comments, the most logical and cheapest way to go will be the Pamco E-Advancer and buy the advance rod and bushing separately. I can still use my dual output coil.

Thank you all for helping a ''kinda'' newbie to understand that there was no parts missing in my ingnition! :) This place is great!
 
AdamRoy said:
Thanks fo
I think you're right about going with the electronic advance, if it's reliable, it's way better. So far, with all the comments, the most logical and cheapest way to go will be the Pamco E-Advancer and buy the advance rod and bushing separately. I can still use my dual output coil.

Thank you all for helping a ''kinda'' newbie to understand that there was no parts missing in my ingnition! :) This place is great!
Click to expand...

No the cheapest and most logical is to check to see if your Factory ignition is still on the bike and to check condition ............Then go from there
 
peanut said:
if the standard charging system is still fitted its perfectly adequate .
Looks like the previous owner removed and kept the expensive electronic ignition system

I would keep the existing TCI charging system and spend my money on an electronic ignition and advance system like a Boyer Bransden
http://www.boyerbransden.com/yamaha.html
or our very own Petes PMA & E advance system
(link corrected thanks solo)
http://www.yamahaxs650.com
Click to expand...

No PMA's..........unless you have heard something new............

solo2racr said:
IIRC, (99% sure) Pete is on record somewhere here that he is only selling direct anymore. Something to do with Mike's selling cheap knock-offs that even have "Pamco" printed on the PCB. http://www.yamahaxs650.com/
Click to expand...

Pete has never discussed any issues relating to the XSCharge Hall effect ignitions, having Pamco written on the boards.......

http://www.xs650.com/threads/the-new-pamco.52634/
 
The reason i want to change the ignition system is that I did cut the wire from the pickup coil like a retard... and also the wires from the rotor that was way too coroded for me to use...and maybe some others... thinking that I will buy all this stuff new.

To me, PAMCO and PMA seems like and upgrade for reliability as I get rid of the originial charge system and mechanical advance, both seems to have bad reputation from what I've read.
 
AdamRoy said:
To me, PAMCO and PMA seems like and upgrade for reliability as I get rid of the originial charge system and mechanical advance, both seems to have bad reputation from what I've read.
Click to expand...
You never had a mechanical advance, and the original charging system has the best reputation. :D Sound like you cut a bunch of stuff away with hedge trimmers without a clue?
 
I didn't read through this whole thread.... Let me sound hillbilly and say: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." So if you have the original TCI/Charging system. Test it. It works, don't change a thing. Test the coils. Issue I've ran into, expense. It's been cheaper to run an aftermarket charging system (PMA) than to buy new OEM stuff. Ignition PAMCO is the way to go. They made a shit ton of these bikes. Unless it's an XS1 or some really cool early model, honestly, keep the stock parts and buy aftermarket systems. One day it might grow a horn and become a unicorn. Haha Its a hobby. A fun hobby. Hobbys cost money.
 

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