what is the best electronic ignition system for a 76 XS650

[Zonie]

I'm thinking about installing an electronic ignition on my 76 XS. It has been in the back of my garage for some time and isn't running very well.
Cleaned the carbs twice using an ultrasonic cleaner and sorted that out but there are other issues that need addressing. The previous owner died, and the bike was left outside. Slowly picking at it when I have the time.

 

[Its been a long time]

I'm thinking about installing an electronic ignition on my 76 XS. It has been in the back of my garage for some time and isn't running very well.
Cleaned the carbs twice using an ultrasonic cleaner and sorted that out but there are other issues that need addressing. The previous owner died, and the bike was left outside. Slowly picking at it when I have the time.

I have recently gone through this on my 77 650D. I narrowed it down to TriSpark or Boyer Bransden.

(To be clear, there's systems out there that retain the mechanical advance unit. I did not consider those. I wanted a fully electronic system.)

I went for the Boyer Bransden system based on two factors. Price and availability. I'm in the UK and would have bought the TriSpark but it was considerably more expensive and the UK reseller of TriSpark wasn't interested in selling me one. So I went with the BB. Your situation may be different to mine.

Seems there's no universally recognised best system. There's those for and against all the available systems. Whatever you choose, there's always someone out there who had one fail.

The BB system isn't perfect, but I'm happy with it.

Link to my experience of fitting BB ignition system -

https://www.xs650.com/threads/musings-on-boyer-bransden-electronic-ignition-kit.66824/

 

[Zonie]

I have recently gone through this on my 77 650D. I narrowed it down to TriSpark or Boyer Bransden.

(To be clear, there's systems out there that retain the mechanical advance unit. I did not consider those. I wanted a fully electronic system.)

I went for the Boyer Bransden system based on two factors. Price and availability. I'm in the UK and would have bought the TriSpark but it was considerably more expensive and the UK reseller of TriSpark wasn't interested in selling me one. So I went with the BB. Your situation may be different to mine.

Seems there's no universally recognised best system. There's those for and against all the available systems. Whatever you choose, there's always someone out there who had one fail.

The BB system isn't perfect, but I'm happy with it.

I had a Tri-Spark on my 74 Norton when I lived in Arizona. I killed 3 of them from the heat. Went to a Pazon over 14 years ago and never had another problem. I need to check with them and see if they make one. Report to follow.

 

[Its been a long time]

I had a Tri-Spark on my 74 Norton when I lived in Arizona. I killed 3 of them from the heat. Went to a Pazon over 14 years ago and never had another problem. I need to check with them and see if they make one. Report to follow.

They (Pazon) don't. I asked them a few weeks ago. They told me that they would sell me the parts but I would have to make my own trigger and rotor assembly. Not so difficult if you have a lathe and a mill. But I don't.

So, that narrowed my choice down to TriSpark or Boyer Bransden.

 

[Ratranger]

I've got a trispark on my rephase, no issues so far. I've been commuting to work in 100* weather.

 

[Zonie]

I've got a trispark on my rephase, no issues so far. I've been commuting to work in 100* weather.

This was back in 2010 when I last had a Tri Spark in my Norton. Nortons have the points cavity in the timing chest and in Arizona heat which can run as high as 120 at times and that can bake the unit. I have run Boyers in my Nortons which have an external control box well away from the heat of the engine.
Things to consider. Thanks to all for your input.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Sachse (Germany) has two for XS650. Single and dual coil.
https://www.elektronik-sachse.de/shopsystem-3/en/digital-ignition-zdg-3-23-for-yamaha-xs650.html

 

[Ratranger]

This was back in 2010 when I last had a Tri Spark in my Norton. Nortons have the points cavity in the timing chest and in Arizona heat which can run as high as 120 at times and that can bake the unit. I have run Boyers in my Nortons which have an external control box well away from the heat of the engine.
Things to consider. Thanks to all for your input.

Yeah, on the XS the trispark has the pickup on the cam and a seperate "box" for timing. That might help the longevity, but mine was a recent purchase, maybe they've made changes with the newer units.

 

[bazz]

Sachse (Germany) has two for XS650. Single and dual coil.
https://www.elektronik-sachse.de/shopsystem-3/en/digital-ignition-zdg-3-23-for-yamaha-xs650.html

This is the same spec as trispark but without the drama

 

[dave_a]

Mike's points/condenser eliminator. What about centrifugal force scares you?
Just asking.

 

[WideAWAKE]

Mike's points/condenser eliminator. What about centrifugal force scares you?
Just asking.

The Mike’s part…

 

[dave_a]

 

[nj1639]

Best electronic system?
Dunno about the best but I've converted two points bikes over to TCI and I'd do it again....and again.....and again

 

[SEd27]

Pamco. But these aren't manufactured anymore.

 

[5twins]

Pamco. But these aren't manufactured anymore.

Yes, that's really too bad. I have a very early one and it hasn't missed a beat in many years. They were quite reasonably priced too, about $100.