Accel Coils

[Ranger_xs1100]

As I continue working on my dueling projects, I am in and out of my shed a lot, looking for parts. The latest item found buried deep in the shed... A pair of Excel coils. I don't remember where they came from, But I know I never had them on any of my bikes. They both measure 3.5 ohms on the primary side and 11.5k on the secondary. And what surprised me is the resistance of the plug wires: ~ 4k. I guess that's ok, because I tested the new leftover wire pieces that were in the box.... I'm thinking about using them on the 79SF that I am working on now because it still has the original OEM coils.

Anyhow, Has anyone ever used these on their xs11? Good? Bad? Appreciate any advice or recommendations. Thanks.

[Tonyxs11]

their well regarded over here in the UK. very good coils. if i could afford a pair i would put them on my XS. and my GSX11

[bikerphil]

I've used them, they are very good quality and seem to last forever. IIRC, you will need to use some small 'L' brackets to mount them correctly.

[red bandit]

I've had them on my 11 for many years. No issues. Yes, you have to come up with a way to mount them.

[DEEBS11]

The NGK spark plug connectors are not what usually goes on the end of those wires. Those are 5K resistive ends to attenuate noise for radio signal. Not something an XS11 performance builder would be concerned with unless he had a radio in the fairing or had a sophisticated fuel injection microprocessor with antilock brakes and a GPS speedometer ect. The 5K resistors will also attenuate (reduce) spark to a certain degree which defeats the purpose of high performance coils. Sometimes you can look into the end of the NGK spark plug connector and unscrew the resistor and replace it with a tiny piece of metal rod cut the same length to bypass the attenuation. You could also crimp new ends on which is a better repair. XS11s look better with angle ends because they don't stick out as much. Tons is a good vendor for this equipment.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/18290139111...oAAOSwgtBg33f2

[DEEBS11]

Some more info on easily modifying what you have.

https://www.goldwingowners.com/threa...re-mod.127987/

[DEEBS11]

One last easy fix. Non-resistive caps. I have used these also. Just screw them on. BTW - you might need to remove the spark plug end nut in some cases.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13371335776...Bk9SR-qclbXiYQ

[Ranger_xs1100]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'll check into the non-resistor plug caps. I also want to find some sort of black tubing to slip over the yellow plug wires. Yellow just won't work with this project!

[DEEBS11]

Ranger, I use this wire for replacement.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/17455791354...UAAOSw2gxYv5bv

[Ranger_xs1100]

Thanks Deebs. Looks good.

[LAB3]

One last easy fix. Non-resistive caps. I have used these also. Just screw them on. BTW - you might need to remove the spark plug end nut in some cases.

That's what I did on mine, reason being it was getting more difficult to find non-resistor plugs. Wasn't sure that if I added 5k ohm from a resistor type plug was going to matter or not so I went to non-resistor caps so I never had to think about it again.

[Ranger_xs1100]

I've used them, they are very good quality and seem to last forever. IIRC, you will need to use some small 'L' brackets to mount them correctly.

Correct as usual BikerPhil. Pictured below shows why. You can't use the same mounting orientation as the OEM because the plug wires would protrude either toward the center or toward the sides and there isn't room for that. So you have to use the L brackets to rotate the Accel coils 90 degrees, thus making the plug wires face downward toward the engine. The next issue is the single center mount horn that the 79 SF uses. I had to remove it to install the Accel coils and now It no longer fits in the original space. So I'll need to figure out a way to relocate it.

[bikerphil]

Ranger, if the coils are hanging down too close to the motor for your liking, you may be able to rotate one or both of the 'L' brackets and have the coils sit on top. I think I had a problem in the past with not being able to remove the valve cover when mounted in the low position.

[red bandit]

I think I had a problem in the past with not being able to remove the valve cover when mounted in the low position.

I must have mine up high enough. I don't have a problem removing the valve cover.

[Ranger_xs1100]

Ranger, if the coils are hanging down too close to the motor for your liking, you may be able to rotate one or both of the 'L' brackets and have the coils sit on top. I think I had a problem in the past with not being able to remove the valve cover when mounted in the low position.

Thanks Phil, I'll take a look at that to see if there is space to raise them. OK, I just checked and there isn't. Rotating the 3/4 inch brackets would raise the coils 1.5 inches and there is only 1 inch clearance available above the coils as they are now mounted. That plus the lowest point on the coils now is flush with the cross frame. So I think the valve cover will come off, although I may have to remove the spark plug wire boots. They are plug in so no problem there.