Ignition 2019 now that things have changed

Birdy

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Since pamco Pete retired and mikes xs sells garbage. I need to figure something out for an ignition. The tci box took a crap and I already paid for a mikes xs ignition that crapped out. I have rewired the bike and it’s all correct.
I’m thinking of just getting a pertronix or some Harley dual fire electronic ignition and making it work with the mechanical advance.

only problem is nothing exists out there that I can find.
 
This is my point, I’m not going to keep throwing $300 at this bike when I paid $1000 for it. Literally all I need is the trigger
 
Ebay $130 delivered electronic iggy new from China. New. Just put in your search engine XS650 electronic ignition or even here and quite a few things pop up. ebay too. The Old Honda /Tytronic even posted here 3-4 yrs back asking for a set of points/baseplate to base their system on.
 
I have to say that given the choice between the stock TCI system and a fully electronic ignition and advance system its a no brainer really.
Sure I know that there are many that wish to retain originality on their bikes but electronic ignition doesn't change anything on your bike that isn't easily and completely reversible .

to be able to go out to my bike and sit on it press the starter button and ride off with spot on accuracy of advance throughout the throttle range and perfect performance from idle to WOT without a single cough splutter or misfire allows me complete peace of mind so that I can enjoy my riding.

There are many systems out there with varying reliability, technical support and value for money.
My choice ,(as many know ) is for the Boyer bransden system ....because I have the experience of using it myself and because I am brand loyal and like the fact that it is a British product with excellent telephone support should I ever need it but there are many other systems out there
 
I was tempted to buy a BB system after my TCI module expired this year. The reviews on them were generally good except for some reviews that stated the bike needed a strong electrical system to run on. I have always felt that the electrical system on this bike is marginal at best. I think the marginal electrical system also hinders the TCI modules as well. For that reason I, bought a Pamco type system. Although I am not entirely happy with this ignition either, at least it does start easily and consistently. I think any replacement system needs to take into account the electrical demands on this bike.
For myself I have been analyzing the unserviceable TCI module I have, as well as an earlier module that I eventually acquired. I have some theories about how it works. I think all of the components can be sourced for the early module. In theory, a person could build a replica of the early module from scratch and it may be possible to do some limited reverse engineering. What I am hoping for, is a more complete understanding of the module. I think they can be repaired.
 
i cannot speak for any other system but the Boyer Bransden system definitely still works on a low battery .How low...... I have never measured it but I'll stick a VOM on the battery next time I start it.

My battery is usually only good enough to turn the starter over twice at most but the engine always starts within 2x revolutions .
If the battery has been left a while and is not fully charged I occasionally have to connect a small Li-Ion battery booster to get it to turn over .I always carry the booster with me on a ride. as backup

The compression on my engine is so high that I have hurt myself a few times kicking it over before I decided it simply wasn't worth the risk to my knees and ankles . Thats what the starter is for after all ;)
 
Can I put a word in for Boyer Bransden? I've run BB ignition on a Norton Commando, a Kawasaki Z1 and the XS650. Found to be reliable and the email back up is good.
+1 for Boyer Bransden!
My XS have been running smooth and strong for 10+ years, with the Boyer Bransden Micro Power (blue box). Great investment in my opinion.
 
My choice ,(as many know ) is for the Boyer bransden system ....because I have the experience of using it myself and because I am brand loyal and like the fact that it is a British product with excellent telephone support should I ever need it but there are many other systems out there

Still true except they don't offer telephone support for technical questions now - but you can email the tech dept and they respond pretty soonish.
 
+1 for Boyer Bransden!
My XS have been running smooth and strong for 10+ years, with the Boyer Bransden Micro Power (blue box). Great investment in my opinion.

welcome to the forum Johnny .
Why don't you tell us a little about yourself like where you hail from and your bike like mods and model year etc . A picture or two is always very welcome .;):)
 
Still true except they don't offer telephone support for technical questions now - but you can email the tech dept and they respond pretty soonish.

thats a real shame still I guess thats the way all small companies are going these days in order to shave costs ,especially with Brexit looming and so much uncertainty
 
Getting back to the start of this discussion... I would urge Birdy to find a TCI module and use it. It should be possible to get one for less than $300. Ignition systems based on camshaft pickups work, but are bit more wobbly with the timing. Mriggs method might be good too, but would require a bit of work to cobble together.
 
I have to say that given the choice between the stock TCI system and a fully electronic ignition and advance system its a no brainer really.
Sure I know that there are many that wish to retain originality on their bikes but electronic ignition doesn't change anything on your bike that isn't easily and completely reversible .

to be able to go out to my bike and sit on it press the starter button and ride off with spot on accuracy of advance throughout the throttle range and perfect performance from idle to WOT without a single cough splutter or misfire allows me complete peace of mind so that I can enjoy my riding.

There are many systems out there with varying reliability, technical support and value for money.
My choice ,(as many know ) is for the Boyer bransden system ....because I have the experience of using it myself and because I am brand loyal and like the fact that it is a British product with excellent telephone support should I ever need it but there are many other systems out there
I'm not by any means an electrical/electronic guru - I don't understand in what way the stock TCI is not fully electronic. When I had mine opened up some years back to inspect the solder connections, it looked to me like an assembly of diodes, capacitors, transistors and resistors on a circuit board that worked together electronically to adjust ignition timing between design idle and full advance limits as engine rpm's needed. What am I missing here?
 
I'm not by any means an electrical/electronic guru - I don't understand in what way the stock TCI is not fully electronic. When I had mine opened up some years back to inspect the solder connections, it looked to me like an assembly of diodes, capacitors, transistors and resistors on a circuit board that worked together electronically to adjust ignition timing between design idle and full advance limits as engine rpm's needed. What am I missing here?
I am not familiar with the TCI ignition system I'm afraid I didn't bother to check the spec on the TCI because I was referring to any aftermarket ignition system as apposed to the Yamaha ignition system
Thank you for putting me right;)
 
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I am not familiar with the TCI ignition system I didn't bother to check up on it because I was referring to any aftermarket ignition system as apposed to the Yamaha ignition system
Thank you for putting me right
I'd say the primary concerns with it are age-related. It's a 40-year old design by now, but that also means that there's a lot known about its failure modes and possible repairs - many posts on this website about replacing bad diodes, re-soldering cracked joints, etc. It's not a sealed unit, either, but it tucks up under the battery tray in a fairly well-protected spot; and because it's not sealed, the circuit board is accessible for inspection and repair. Yamaha installed them with no provision for any timing adjustment, but it's quite easy to "slot" its top mounting hole to provide a couple degrees of retard. I'm sure that a clean-sheet design done now would be quite different and incorporate many improvements, but many of these OEM TCI units are still around and soldiering on. So far, no trouble with the one on my bike - keeping my fingers crossed. Some folks are acquiring known good units to have a backup, but I haven't done that yet.
 
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Still got the TCI on my 79' and going strong I think one first to get the TCI. I do have a complete HHB system ready to go if it does take a dump tho.
 
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