Which ignition system to use with Mikes XS PMA

[Mjohnm]

Would it not be worth at least even just trying the MikesXS capacitor?
https://www.mikesxs.net/capacitor-kit-for-xs650-pma-charging-system.html

Do people really advise against Mikes XS PMA + capacitor that strongly that I should basically just get rid of it and go in another direction?

 

[Stavros]

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!

I’ve installed a PMA here in the UK. Wanted Mikes PMA but the expenses getting it across the pond is silly. Can you advise where the spare yellow wire goes that was going to the original stator. I know this feeds the starter/ headlamp safety relay and really want to retain this. Bike starts okay but no headlight.
Regards

 

[Jan_P]

Would it not be worth at least even just trying the MikesXS capacitor?
https://www.mikesxs.net/capacitor-kit-for-xs650-pma-charging-system.html

Do people really advise against Mikes XS PMA + capacitor that strongly that I should basically just get rid of it and go in another direction?

Well it says
Points ..Which you dont have if I get it right
or
Electronic with the stock advance unit ..Which you dont have if I get it right

So if i get it right the problem is getting an Ignition that works with the PMA
And without the battery.

Maybe Hughs Hand built can help you
Do you have any ignition parts at all. ?
Do you have the stock alternator parts ?
Is a battery out of the question ?
Installing points can have the risk cracking the Cam end but If careful, and with experience it have been done.

Perhaps a Boyer will work with a small battery.

 

[Mjohnm]

Ok I think I’m understanding now, after a ton more reading and research. I got the MikesXs PMA from TCBros which just claims it’s compatible with every year. I just missed the minor detail that it’s a hell of a lot more work with 1980+ to make it batteryless because that was the year they got rid of the points and started doing TCI instead. And I can’t really find any info from anyone that’s actually managed to do it, just theoretical ways to get it to work.

I still have the stock stator rotor and everything. I’m wondering if it just makes more sense to go back to the original set up and somehow sell the Mikes XS PMA. I’m also open to keeping the battery now if that makes it more doable to keep the PMA

 

[Jim]

I still have the stock stator rotor and everything. I’m wondering if it just makes more sense to go back to the original set up and somehow sell the Mikes XS PMA.

That's what I'd do. Properly cared for, the original TCI and alternator are good reliable systems.

 

[Its been a long time]

That's what I'd do. Properly cared for, the original TCI and alternator are good reliable systems.

^^^^^ What Jim said.

 

[Mjohnm]

I got a response back from Mikes XS pretty quickly and they are telling me I can still get this work, I’ll just need the capacitor as well as their ignition kit including advance rod
https://www.mikesxs.net/ignition-kit-electronic-xs-charge-gen-iii-xs650-1970-1984-g.html
So that sort of helps make it a little more straight forward.