Xscharge vs hughs hand built pma vs original

[gusto]

Which system is better to go with if have a choice? Right now hughs hand built is sold out so not sure if can get it or worth wait. Or should I buy the original points system stuff? I'm missing points rod timing thing wiring harness and need new coils condenser and probably need a regulator / rectifier. Seems like I would spend half of what the new stuff cost if go original but seems best if use newer stuff. It's just that the new stuff is 350 plus 357 so 707 plus plugs for xscharge and 650 to 750 for hughs. Seems like I could get a whole bike for what they want. I guess it would make the bike worth a lot more.

 

[Its been a long time]

Personal opinion is that there's nothing wrong with the original alternator. Set it up with new brushes, standard bridge rectifier and automotive regulator. Simple, low cost and reliable. All the information you require is in the forum technical section.

My own choice of ignition system is Boyer Bransden. I would choose that or TriSpark.

Why not points? Again, personal opinion. The quality of aftermarket ignition components has never been lower. Either of the above ignition systems is a complete replacement ignition system from pickup to spark plug cap. Proven quality and reliability.

 

[JJames]

Based on many threads. You'll avoid lots of headaches by getting the original system back together with improvements IBALT mentions. Quality control and customer service seem to be things of the past.

 

[arcticXS]

Vape.

 

[gggGary]

probably need a regulator / rectifier.

Don't guess when it come to the charging system. TEST and verify.
Use case matters; what's your likely motorcycle profile?
Parts that would be cheap for a bike you plan to multi-state tour on might be a waste on a bar hopper.
I'm a bit in the wilderness but an OEM mechanical regulator in good shape is about as reliable as a rock at near zero cost.
DIY using automotive regulator and 3 phase rectifier comes in as a close second with strong reliability. I'm big on NOCO lithium batteries. A Jim's rewound rotor, if there are any issues with performance or appearance of the stock rotor is a major step to reliability. A good stock stator is very reliable and not hard to find if needed. Brushes are easy to understand cheap and reliable with a mebby 5-10K miles maint. cycle.
I use both points and solid state ignitions regularly but quality solid state with electronic advance gets a slight nod for easiest starting. In general if you don't have the points and mechanical advance, now is the time to go electronic.
If you are willing to spend and be done, then a Vape system is a $trong once and done way forward.

 

[Wagner73]

∆∆∆∆ - what @gggGary said.

I would also say a rebuilt stock-ish charging system (Jim's rotor, new brushes, automotive rectifier & regulator) plus a Trispark system would also be an excellent choice, and probably a tic more economical.

 

[gusto]

Way more opinions than I knew about. Money wise I'm going to try stock. That way just buy a wiring harness. What's up with an automotive regulator and recitifier? Any suggestions? Was planning on getting one off eBay or from mikesxs but I suppose there are cheaper opinions. Got a timing shaft rod coming and points and advance but I'm going to be a little lost on putting it together since I never had them on there before. Looks like there are pins in diagram. Looks like shaft I ordered has one side on already. I might need to order another pin for 5 bucks. I don't quite understand the timing rod yet by diagrams. Need to watch some videos. IV worked on a xs400 before and it's way different.

 

[Wagner73]

Way more opinions than I knew about. Money wise I'm going to try stock. That way just buy a wiring harness. What's up with an automotive regulator and recitifier? Any suggestions? Was planning on getting one off eBay or from mikesxs but I suppose there are cheaper opinions.

See this thread. Has been used with great success by many on here. It's reliable and inexpensive. The Mike's units are generally not well thought of.

https://www.xs650.com/threads/diy-reg-rec-5twins-and-jim.55842/

As for points, etc, there is a ton of info in the Tech section as well.

https://www.xs650.com/pages/tech/

 

[jamesgs4]

I wish pamcos were still available. Should have bought a few extra when I could.