Swapping electronic ignition for points

[MrFreeze60]

I might open up a can of worms, but I am thinking about changing my electronic ignition to points.
To me it would be easier, and less expensive to maintain.
No igniter will be needed, points can't be that expensive, and I can adjust the timing better with points.
I'm an old school type of guy, I liked running dual point distributors on my fords better than the electronic setups. Cheaper, and easier to work on.
Maybe it's just me.

 

[tkent02]

Points are expensive anymore.

 

[Guest]

Another option would be a Dyna S ignition system.
That would eliminate the old signal generators & igniter, and replace them with a modern electronic ignition.

Didn't you use a timing light to set the timing on your old Fords?
You can do the same with a Dyna S.

 

[eil]

To me it would be easier, and less expensive to maintain.

Is this really the case? My understanding is that an electronic ignition needs zero maintenance while points need to be periodically cleaned, gapped, replaced, etc. And if you don't already happen to have a points setup ready to be bolted on, then buying the parts to swap over is an additional expense.

 

[Steve]

I might open up a can of worms, but I am thinking about changing my electronic ignition to points.
To me it would be easier, and less expensive to maintain.

To start, I would like to verify that it is safe to assume two things:
1: you already have an electronic ignition system on the bike
2: it works.

With the electronic system, the timing is set at the factory and never needs to be re-set, unless something happens (you wipe out the right side of the engine ) and you have to replace the sensors. OK, if you install a big-bore kit and/or change the cams, you might need to make an adjustment to optimize timing for the new parameters.

Please tell me how this is more expensive and harder to do. :-k

Points will take maintenance and occasional replacement. I don't know how often, I am sure it relates to how many miles you ride. As points wear, the timing changes. If you are anal about maintaining your timing, you may have to check/adjust several times during the life of the points, which may amount to a few times a year. As already mentioned, replacement points (and condensors) are not cheap.

Please tell me how this is "easier, and less expensive to maintain". :-k

Let's make things really interesting: I'm not sure that points are available that will fit your engine.


EDIT: I just looked at the parts fiche for a '79 750 (the last year with points) and found that there are two systems, Kokusan and ND. The Kokusan points are about $60 EACH, and the condensors are about $55 EACH. You need two of each item, so you are looking at about $230 for just those parts, not including all the other bits and pieces necessary.

Good news, the ND parts are much more affordable. Points are about $25 each, condensors are about $12 each, for a total of about $75.

.

 

[Guest]

I might open up a can of worms, but I am thinking about changing my electronic ignition to points.
To me it would be easier, and less expensive to maintain.
No igniter will be needed, points can't be that expensive, and I can adjust the timing better with points.
I'm an old school type of guy, I liked running dual point distributors on my fords better than the electronic setups. Cheaper, and easier to work on.
Maybe it's just me.

Why? My system on my 750 is 34 years old never have touched it, just keep the electrical connections clean, something that should bone regardless. I would never ever go back to a points system.

 

[cowboyup3371]

Before we open it, I don't think you can even buy a can of worms anymore. Sears quit selling them in the 40s. They could be the next big collectable.

Just for you, a can of worms:

http://www.petmountain.com/product/...rm={keyword}&gclid=CJ76lpmO3LwCFYRQ7AodG3oABg

 

[Guest]

Electronic ignition can produce a better spark than you can get from points.
You might find that your bike runs noticeably better with a new Dyna S ignition system then a points setup.

Perhaps some of the forum members that switched from points to Dyna S can tell us how different the performance is?


Lol, cowboyup3371, that was a good one. Saved the link for future use.