Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Thoughts on aftermarket ignitions

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Thoughts on aftermarket ignitions

    So I tend to spend a lot of time on Amazon and eBay and constantly reminded of the Dynatek ignitions that are available for what seems like every classic bike EXCEPT the XS.

    That made me wonder, outside of the Sachse, is there any others that are close enough to be modified to work well. I reached out to Dynatek (who promptly blew me off, called me the wrong name on the email) said they reviewed it 10+ years ago and are not interested. Pretty much thanks but no thanks.

    Started doing some individual research to see what I could play around with.....here is where I need your help as my knowledge of other bikes is lacking in comparison to some of you historians of all things internal combustion around here.

    Lets start with the FJ1100. From my understanding it is pretty much a future generation of the XS. I do not know how similar but the key part is how similar is the ignition. From what I can see it uses a basic rotor and cranks sensors and I am assuming the timing curve is programmed into the ignition box.

    If this is all similar enough in size and if it would fit within the original space then that would be an adequate swap (assuming the timing curve is appropriate).

    The second reason I was looking specifically at the FJ is because dyna carries an aftermarket ignition for it (DDK7-1) which includes 5 variable timing curves pre-programmed (and also additional programming can be done I believe, might be wrong), an adjustable rev limiter, and a built in timing light. If all of that works then it would eliminate the need for any mechanical timing adjustment and simplify the entire ignition.

    So this is where I currently am sitting, hoping someone else has looked into this and could give some more insight. If you have any ideas, please chime in. I am all ears
    81 "Cafe" Build
    80 MNS
    81 MNS

  • #2
    And yes, I read the handful of posts on here about aftermarket ignitions but didnt see anything less than 6+ years old. Thought it was time to bring it up again
    81 "Cafe" Build
    80 MNS
    81 MNS

    Comment


    • #3
      If I remember correctly, the FJ crank rotates one direction, and the XS is the other direction. The pickup is on the Left side on both engines, so no, it probably would not work.
      Main reason most companies will NOT do the XS is because of the vacuum advance/retard system. This system is one of the reasons we can do 30mph in high gear, and just twist and go. Most bikes would buck and bog if you tried that! A good set of new coils will do more for the bike than any "new" ignition.
      Ray Matteis
      KE6NHG
      XS1100 E '78 (winter project)
      XS1100 SF Bob Jones worked on it!

      Comment


      • #4
        Just saw this link on FB. Anyone tried C5 Ignitions?
        http://www.c5ignitions.com/motorcycle-ignitions.html
        80 G

        Comment


        • #5
          With the dual sensor on the fj and it being phased at 180 degrees, rotation direction wouldn't matter. The rotor would hit the sensors at the same time.

          Yes replacing the coils is great. I already swapped to dyna 3ohm. I'm more looking for an option for rescuing the original. We all know parts are going to become more and more scarce so finding a viable replacement with available parts would be great. That's my real overall reason
          Last edited by Tobiczyk; 07-12-2018, 08:54 PM.
          81 "Cafe" Build
          80 MNS
          81 MNS

          Comment


          • #6
            I was going down this route a few years back but couldn't get the XS ignition rotor to work with the FJ pick up's.
            Since then I've used XJ1100 pick up's, which are the same as FJ1100 ones at 120 ohms +or- 10% at 20°C, and you can use the XJ1100 base plate and rotor on the XS fitted with either XJ11 or FJ1100 pick up's.
            FJ1100 ignition coils primary resistance are 2.7 ohms +or- 10%, XJ1100 are 2.5 ohms, secondary resistance on the XJ is 11,000 ohms, the FJ1100 is 12,000 ohms +or- 20%.
            The tricky bit in my mind would be matching up the XJ1100 pick up connector plug to and FJ1100 igniter unit one, though i'm sure it can be done. I've got a picture, if you want it, of the three types of FJ igniter boxes showing the configuration of the connector pins.
            Anyway, i'm using an XJ1100 set up on my XS1100 Midnight.

            Comment


            • #7
              Thinking about it again, the best bet would be to use the connector plug from the XS/XJ1100 pick up's into the loom behind the right side cover and then somehow match from the loom where it exits and connects to the FJ igniter.
              Reason being is that the connector from the FJ pick ups is a lot smaller so won't connect to the XS so no matter what, some modification is required somewhere.

              Comment


              • #8
                So from what you have done it sounds like the XJ and FJ pickups will both fit under the housing on the XS. That is step one clear.

                Since that all fits then an entire replacement system like this might work (obviously with some potential modification)

                https://www.denniskirk.com/dynatek/2...prd/200469.sku
                81 "Cafe" Build
                80 MNS
                81 MNS

                Comment


                • #9
                  If it fits under the FJ pick up cover then it will fit under the XS pick up cover because it's a lot wider than the FJ.
                  But can't comment on the Dynatek FJ set up working on the XS. If it's firing at the wrong place you'll be boogered. 180° and you might be able to rotate it but 90 or 270 and it could cause a headache and potential money down the drain.
                  Is that link the actual FJ spec part? It looks like the pick up's are 90° opposite to the XJ fitment. You might be able to elongate the slots in the baseplate.
                  Last edited by FJ111200; 07-13-2018, 08:26 AM.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Here's how it should look. XJ/FJ pick up's on the XS. Note that's a XJ1100 pick up baseplate.
                    WP_20180713_15_31_38_Pro by Billy Bananahead, on Flickr

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      I just remembered that I've got a FJ engine with pick up's on the shelf.
                      Might not be much, if any, adjustment needed on the baseplate slots of the Dynatek set up.

                      WP_20180713_15_58_36_Pro by Billy Bananahead, on Flickr

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        I see definite potential here.

                        Yes, it could be potentially $300+ down the drain but I think it could work. I will need to contact dynatek and get full specs of their rotor and plate.
                        81 "Cafe" Build
                        80 MNS
                        81 MNS

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Looking at the baseplate of the Dyna system, it has slotted mounting points that may allow it to work as is, if not it could always be drilled. I am quite sure it could be mounted to work on the xs just fine and with the sensors being 180 rotation direction wouldn't matter. Just a matter of mounting the rotor securely and at the proper depth
                          81 "Cafe" Build
                          80 MNS
                          81 MNS

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            I think you could be right.
                            Keep us posted, i'm interested as i'm always looking for an upgrade.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              additional thoughts.....

                              The dyna kits for harley allows for the use of their VOES (vacuum operated electrical switch). If this is also available on the ddk7-1 kit OR on another controller that will work with that pickup then the loss of the vacuum control for lower rpm/partial throttle on the stock XS ignition will be accommodated.

                              man, the wheels are turning......
                              81 "Cafe" Build
                              80 MNS
                              81 MNS

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X