Which ignition system to use with Mikes XS PMA

[Mjohnm]

I’ve been working on this 1980 hardtail XS650 for a bit now, and just installed Mikes XS PMA. I’m west coast Canada (tariff situation has been a mess), so I was thinking of getting this battery eliminator capacitor kit from Fortnine
https://fortnine.ca/en/accel-battery-eliminator-capacitor
And for ignition system I was just going to go with XSCharge but I’ve been searching through some forum posts and reviews and it seems like it’s maybe not the best option. Most of the info I found was around 5+ years ago. Just wondering if anyone has any more current relevant info or advice. Thanks again!

 

[Its been a long time]

There's a train of thought here, I believe, that says the Mikes PMA (or at least the regulator) isn't a great choice either. Probably not what you want to hear really.

 

[Mjohnm]

I am open to buying a different regulator if people think it would be a much better option than the one that comes with the MikesXS PMA. I was mostly wondering about the ignition setup though

 

[Its been a long time]

I think the majority opinion here is that on a 1980 XS650, the best ignition system available is the factory fitted one.

 

[jetmechmarty]

I think the majority opinion here is that on a 1980 XS650, the best ignition system available is the factory fitted one.

 

[Mjohnm]

If I am trying to get rid of the battery, and have the PMA installed, I’m essentially not able to use the original ignition - is that correct?

 

[650Skull]

Yes that's correct.

A series reg/rec is better than a shunt type, although a mosfit shunt reg/rect seem to be better than the usual Reg/rect off the shelf

Important to have the right sized cap. Even then a small battery is often recommended to help smooth the voltage and for lights and ease of starting.

Not a PMA guy, although have 2 suzukies with pma's. They have full battery systems. Suzukies have been notorious for stater and factory Reg/rec probs. The way they wire it in + their reg/rec weren't the best.
Again a series Reg/rect is the usual solution/upgrade to solve stater problems, if the stater hasn't burnt out already

Do a google search on the difference between a Shunt and Series reg/rectif

 

[mike in idaho]

You can get one here: https://www.classicbritishspares.co...apacitor-54170009?_pos=3&_sid=1decfcdd9&_ss=r for quite a bit less money.

 

[Mjohnm]

Thanks. Have been reading about the shunt compared to series type regulators. Having spent the money and time setting this one up I figure I might as well try it. I’m learning a lot as I go, so if anything it’s been a good learning experience. I’m also willing to pay well for any of the other parts to make up for the PMA’s shortcomings, so I’m up for any suggestions there.

Also this looks like the British capacitor I’ve seen people using in some YouTube videos. I will probably give it a try.

I forgot to mention this is a Yamaha xs650 special with the electronic ignition, if that changes anything.

Thanks again

 

[mike in idaho]

You can use points ignition, with a batteryless setup. Electronic ignitions are likely to be a bit fussy, running off a cap.

 

[Mjohnm]

You can use points ignition, with a batteryless setup. Electronic ignitions are likely to be a bit fussy, running off a cap.

Is there a specific points ignition anyone would recommend here?

 

[Its been a long time]

Is there a specific points ignition anyone would recommend here?

As far as I'm aware, the only one available is the one Yamaha used up to 1979. I suppose there's some expensive, exotic magneto type race systems available out there but they're not what you want.

 

[Mjohnm]

https://www.mikesxs.net/motorcycles...tteries/ignition-systems/ignition-points.html

Seems like this is the only set of parts I can find readily available.

 

[Its been a long time]

https://www.mikesxs.net/motorcycles...tteries/ignition-systems/ignition-points.html

Seems like this is the only set of parts I can find readily available.

Be aware, in my opinion stuff like this is nothing but Chinese junk.

Effectively, you'd be converting your motor to a 1979 spec ignition system. There's lots of bits you're going to have to find and fit. Then you'll have a system that Yamaha themselves moved away from in 1980.

 

[mike in idaho]

The original 1980 ignition system no longer works because you lost the trigger assembly when you swapped out the original alternator for the PMA. Perhaps the Boyer Bransden ignition would be a good fit, but it would likely require a battery of some kind to work.

 

[Jan_P]

The original 1980 ignition system no longer works because you lost the trigger assembly when you swapped out the original alternator for the PMA. Perhaps the Boyer Bransden ignition would be a good fit, but it would likely require a battery of some kind to work.

I did some googling about that and the information is out there please google Norton and Boyer Bransden with capacitor or so
I also believe a battery is needed

 

[halfmile]

Hughs Hand Built CDI works either way, cap or batt.

 

[Mjohnm]

Ok well I just installed the MikesXS PMA last week so I’d like to try to give that a shot. By the looks of it it should be pretty straight forward to wire straight into this capacitor

https://www.classicbritishspares.co...apacitor-54170009?_pos=3&_sid=1decfcdd9&_ss=r

Without needing anything else? And without the battery. Thanks again for all the added info

 

[Mjohnm]

Oh it looks like Hughs does just have the CDI available on its own maybe. I thought they just had it as a whole kit along with the PMA. Maybe that would be a possible option to go with Mikes XS PMA

 

[650Skull]

You have dug a hole that has cost quite a bit of money. Sounds like a lot more will b spent getting to where you want to go.

To late now but at least now your learning the cost of not inquiring before assuming and just buying with common knowledge instead of educated experience.

Sorry if this sounds a bit harsh..

I don't think you can buy Hugh's CDI components and run them on MikesXS PMA.......maybe someone else can confirm or deny.

If the engine is an 80 then it had factory TCI electronics ignition. The cam has the holes for a points advance rod but it has not been cleaned up/Machined the (casting marks), to take the bushes required for the advance rod, ( because it never used one). If you wanted to change to points.
It can, and has been, done, just needs some reaming to fit the bushes. If not done properly, forcing the bushes in can, and will, crack the cam.