imported post
austinstreetman wrote:
The after-market systems that I have seen do not use a reluctor wheel and pickup, but just use the old points to get the signal for the electronics. The points don’t burn because they don’t handle much current.
The spark should be stronger because the coil has longer to build and the current to the coil is cut off more cleanly.
None of the aftermarket systems I've seen use the old breaker points. They use inductive pick up coils just like an automotive electronic ignition. The whole point in electronic ignition is to get rid of those damn points!
The only thing that is non-adjustable on your setup is the dwell, but the electronic systems handle that nicely and need no modification. With the electronic system on your '77, you adjust the initial timing with a timing light. Once it's done it's done, and you'll probably not have to mess with it again. Your system still retains the old centerfuge-type spark advance, which is housed under the timing plate.
To adjust the initial timing with a timing light you'll need a glass timing window that takes the place of the timing plug (the plug is just behind the carbs on the left side, on top of the engine. It has a screwdriver slot.). This prevents oil from flying all over the place when the engine is running.
With the timing light inductive pickup on the #1 wire, set the timing to the 'F' mark for #1. Move the timing light inductive pickup to the #2 wireand do the same for #2. Open the throttle for a bit more RPM to check that the centerfuge advance is working.
If you have electronic ignition and it works, I would not go back to breaker points. The breaker point design on this bike is not the best in my opinion, and requires a lot of fiddling to get it right and to keep it right.