ignition options

jralex · Posted: December 12, 2008, 3:08 pm Post subject: ignition options

I am considering a new ignition system for my 78 standard tracker/cafe project. My goals are to get rid of the points and improve performance and spark.

I have some pros and cons for each system and would like some experienced input to add to or correct my thoughts which I hope will help me with my decision.

Boyer-Bransden

Pros
adjustable rev limiter

Cons
cost $275
electrical consumption

Pamco

Pros
Simple
cost $129 (w/ coil)
electrical consumption

Cons
no rev limiter

A rev limiter would be nice, but do I really need one? Is there a simple way to add one to the Pamco system?

Please weigh in.

Thanks

yamaman · Posted: December 12, 2008, 3:16 pm Post subject: Re: ignition options

Would you go to a shop & buy a rev limiter for $150.00? Then if you did buy it, what would you do with it? No need in my opinion for a limiter, in fact maybe you should look in to a maximiser instead!

Retiredgentleman · Posted: December 12, 2008, 5:43 pm Post subject: Re: ignition options

Pamco ignition is the way to go. I use the tachometer as my rev limiter, tells me all I need to know.

We've had debates on this topic before. I think it comes down to what value you believe you are getting for your money. The Boyer is probably a good system, but just to expensive for my bike budget. The Pamco ignition will give you excellent spark, at a price that most of us can deal with. Sure, it still uses the mechanical advancer unit, but that's part of the charm of these 1970's bikes. A little annual maintenance such as clean and lube, and the advancer works great. If you need any customer service, Pamcopete will readily solve your problems.

Always better to buy products made in US or Canada...............keeps jobs in our countries!

greaser6755 · Posted: December 12, 2008, 8:59 pm Post subject: Re: ignition options

And hey, the Pamco system is really pretty. Anything pretty goes with a 650.

jdallen · Posted: December 12, 2008, 9:12 pm Post subject: Re: ignition options

There's an adjustable rev limiter on the boyer? how's that work? I've got the microdigital system w/blue box, but I haven't read about it being adjustable....I was thinking it was a fixed advance curve.

jralex · Posted: December 17, 2008, 12:38 am Post subject: Re: ignition options

Thanks for the input guys.

JD, I must be wrong about the adjustable rev limiter on the Boyer micro digital ignition. That is why i'm posting on this. Do you know what the rev limit is? Other than the rev limiter, getting rid of the points and weights is there any other advantage to the Boyer system, such as a better advance curve?

I am leaning toward Pamcopete's set up because it has gotten nothing but good reports, looks to be a nice simple set up and he is a class act, but I want to be a sure as possible that I am not overlooking something with the Boyer system. To Yamaman's point, I don't need to spend the extra money if I am getting nothing more than a rev limiter in the Boyer over the Pamco set up.

Thanks again.

jdallen · Posted: December 17, 2008, 1:26 am Post subject: Re: ignition options

I don't know why you'd need a rev limiter anyhow. I've only had a boyer since August, but I like it. I'm sure Pete's system is good too. Boyer's are expensive though. According to boyer, ""the Micro Digital features a built in computer, the size of a postage stamp, it can make more than a million ignition decisions per second, to constantly monitor engine speed and time the spark precisely to suit"". You set the timing once and forget about it. No need to worry about advancing rods and weights. The charging system must be in good working order. Also the system comes w/a high output coil and you can open your spark plug gap and the bike will run and start a lot better. but you can just buy an aftermarket high output coil and do the same thing.

compared to Pete's I don't know.....but compared to points......holy cow, it is night and day. run's like a bat outta hell now. just make sure you're charging!!!!!

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