Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Performance Mods NEW America / Speedy Ignition Wires!

It looks like there might be some light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to ignition mods for our Speedies and Americas! Newbonneville.com now has Nology Hotwires for sale that are supposed to add horsepower by increasing the intensity of the ignition spark and thereby more efficiently burning fuel during combustion. You can see them here:

Nology Hotwires

So, here's the question before we all start writing Brent another check to feed our mod habits - Do they work? Any experience with Nology Hotwires out there?

I hear mixed reviews and that we may have to change the timing once we install these new wires. How hard is that?

These are plug and play, no adjustment to your timing. However there is a grounding strap for each wire that neatly bolts under the tank.

I saw those yesterday and was gonna post some questions too. But i never thought about this timing issue. I was just wondering if the info is just manufacturer hype of if it really does generate a far greater spark, and whether that is really a good thing or even matters. If it really does generate more HP with no ill effects including loingevity i'd be in. (assuming this timing issue ISN'T and issue)

Looks like just what the doctor ordered. Still, the elusive replacement ignition coil isn't there, but it's a step.

Check out the FAQ area on the Nology site about timing issues. They seem to suggest that a little timing tweaking might be needed. DOH!:

Nology Hot Wires FAQ

Do we have resistor or non-resistor type plugs? What kind of ignition system do we have?

We have resistor plug caps 5k ohm.

BR&R,never never believe a manufactures claim. They are all self serving. Look for an independant test. So search the web by "independant testing of Nology wires" and see what you come up with. Al

I found some info, tho in the context of autos. they do say the nology does indeed provide a stronger spark, but also says....

"A stronger spark does not always equal more HP. If your stock ignition is reliably lighting the mixture, you can add as much spark energy as you want, but it won't make any more horsepower. To date no independent dynamometer test I know of has shown any increase in horsepower over stock wires that were working properly."

heres the article...
http://www.mr2.com/TEXT/DavidKucharczyk/ignition.html

Good web-trolling article, IKJ (Iknowjohnny)!

What was interesting is that it makes reference to the fact that the Nology wires actually do have less resistance - which on a car might not be that big a deal, but on a motorcycle with our small batteries/coils, might actually make a real difference in improving starting and idling. Hmmm...

Also, I'm thinking that the simplicity of our engines vs. car engines, might make the "bigger spark", a legitimately good thing, even if it is marketing hype.

Afterall, our standard ignition wires might in fact be "working well" according to Triumph factory spec, but the fact that we need air injection to burn unignited fuel, seems to imply that the stock system isn't as efficient as it could be!

The reason we all rip out the air injection might make the purchase of these wires a good thing. I'm naturally a skeptic - which is why I started this thread. But I also really, really want to believe in ANYTHING that promises extra performance for our bikes. Which I guess means that I'm also super-gulible to manufacturers promises and hype!

Any thoughts on the AI / ignition connection?

Thats an interesting thought that the AI is there to burn unburnt exaust gasses. So then maybe a hotter spark WOULD give more power since we know the mixture is not being completely burnt. On the other hand tho, why would triumph bother with an AI system if they could have simply used wires like the nology or some such solution to burn the entire mixture and not only relieve the need for an AI but give better performance to boot? I'm thinking maybe one of 2 things... for some reason this could make the engine less reliable or because burning the entire mixture isn't possible. Still one too many unanswered questions to lay out the 4 for these things. Maybe someone will buy them and be our guinia pig.

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Thats an interesting thought that the AI is there to burn unburnt exaust gasses.

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Thats the only reason the AI is there. Its for cleaner emissions. AI has been around for many years and almost all cars used it in one form of another. Its use is fading because of all the cars and newer motorcycles are fuel-injected. Basically, it helps raise the temperature of the exhaust to help in the combustion of unspent fuel. This reduces emmisions.

Fryguy

I guess i didn't word that right. I KNOW the AI is there for that reason. What I was trying to say, obviously unsuccessfully, that it's interesting that being that it's there for that reason they wouldn't have looked into burning all the mixture during combustion with a solution like the nology wires instead of putting the AI in to clean up an unburnt mixture after the fact.

Its basically an unproven claim. Triumph is not going to spend the extra cash on every claim that comes along without proven results. AI has been around for years and is proven to reduce emissions.

I could see if Nology came to Triumph and said "Hey we invented spark plug wires that will virtual eliminate the need for anytime of AI system". Like I said, AI is on its way out. Its only going to be a year or two before ALL motorcycles are fuel-injected then there will be no-need for AI. Hence no reason for Triumph to spend countless resources trying to develop a product that will no longer be needed in a few years.

Fryguy

The debate rages on....

I might just have to buy these things from Brent and be the BA guinea pig!

Do it.

Why do i feel that I don't need any more encouragement to buy more "stuff" for my bike. It's a sickness!

And you... I know what you are... you're an enabler!

Now enable me $72 and I'll order these bad boys up!

Do it and I'll even ride over and help you install em

Chug chug chug chug....

They will come in handy when a high performance coil is available. The colors are cool and are cheaper than stock replacements.

Our Speedmaster has been the guinea pig for about a month now. As for the manufacturer's claims of increased horsepower, I can't tell on our bike. It does seem to start much easier/faster when cold or warm. I don't see a need to adjust the timing at all. At the very least, they just look cool as hell.

-brent

Brent,

You may have lost a sale here by saying that. But in the long run you'll sell a lot more parts to me because you're so honest ! I appriciate your reply....you didn't have to and could have stayed quiet like most in your position would have. Thank you.

Got a pic of them on the bike?

Johnny - I try to be as honest as I can. That being said, we just had the bike dynoed this evening and the wires gave us an additional 5HP ;-) But honestly, our bike is pretty heavily modified and small gains may be less noticeable than on a more stock bike.

Benny - The only picture I have of the wires on the bike is of the perfect spot Triumph left us to mount the ground wires. I'll try to get more...



-brent

OK, Brent, you have to know that you've opened up a whole new can of worms on yourself!! You dynoed your bike with Mods and didn't inform the COLLECTIVE of your results! Anathema!

Only way to close the can of worms is to list in detail all of the mods done to your ride, and then post best numbers! Chop Chop, inquiring minds want to know!

Yes, and not only that, but how do you explain the LACK of a signalminder in that pic?! Com'on man, you gotta use every one of your products if you want us to believe they're good !

Hey Johnny,
I've learned one thing in the past few years. If Brent ain't got it, go somewhere else. He'll always have the best deal. I don't see him making anything on the belt drive. I always check him first, and he is on my wife and kid's favorites for my holiday gifts.
One of his secrets on fast delivery - I looked in the back of my mail carrier's truck - it was loaded with Triumph parts, a FAX machine and printer. When I order from him, he faxes the mail dude in my zip code, who prints a label and attaches it to the part I ordered and it's in my mailbox. Be sure to order before 8:30a.m. if you want it today.
Sorry Brent, if I put any extra pressure on you. It appears to me that Jessica is a woman of Proverbs 31.
Ride Safe,
Dennis

******! 5HP more? I guess I'm gonna have to go ahead and buy them now, Brent. O.k. well I told you I was gulible. But even if it doesn't increase horsepower, your assesment of "they look cool as hell" is good enough for me! Great picture - Expect my call!

Benny - Thanks for the offer of coming over for the install - I think I can handle this one, but I definitely reserve the right to get you over to my place if/when I start farting around with the carbs! Afterall, we are pretty close to each other. In fact, I work in the city and I road my bike in today for the commute. Georgeous day, couldn't leave the bike in the garage. Of course, riding the Lincoln Tunnel with the drag pipes is always worth the trip, too! Vroom, Vroom!

Of course I was only joking about the 5HP. And I KNEW someone would point out my not using the signalMinder :-) Bunch of turkeys runnin' 'round here... Truth is, I have a nervous thumb when I ride and I'm constantly clicking the button to deactivate the turn signal - even on a 100 mile straight stretch!! I have the signalMinder on the Bonneville but with my annoying habit, it's just not necessary on the Speedmaster since I don't use the driving light feature.

-brent

Hey CT, I have a set of 155's on the way for my carbs from Yota, we can wrench together:) The Lincoln tunnel is always interesting... Done that a couple times myself, then cross town right into the mid-town.
P.S. But yourself a set of allen head screws for the carbs from Brent when you get the wires, makes the carbs WAY easier to work on.

The key to making more HP with increased ignition energy is to run wider spark plug gaps!

These wider gaps help burn more mixture, not only making more power, but helping to reduce tailpipe emmisions. That's why Detroit went to EI systems back in the mid 70's. At one time GM had as a spark plug gap spec, .080"!! (That would be slightly over 2mm for those of you more familiar with the French [spit] communist measuring system.)

Also, even more HP (but not much) can be had with wider plug gaps if one jets slightly richer. Too, one's spark timing may need to be retarded just a "wee bit", particularly if one is on the ragged edge of timing advance.

These wires get the PapaDean stamp of aproval, which, with a buck/euro, will get you a cup of coffee, except at that smarmy place named Starbucks.

Ok PapaDean, question for you then. Assuming stock plugs with a .035" (0.8mm - 0.9mm) gap, now installing these newfangled wires, what gap would you use with the stock plugs? Or would you even use the stock plugs? Questions that need answers.

Tod - I'm digging the colors too! But...

Rick - I totally appreciated the Magnecor link. Some interesting reading - and they don't hold back in taking shots at Nology. But you're still weighing one corporate marketing pitch against another. I have an email out to Magnecor asking about applications for our bikes... I'll post an answer if they respond. Thanks,

p.s. Thanks for the wrenching offer & tips on the carbs, Benny. I'll go with the new screws.

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$72 a pair!! Is that a misprint? Think carefully everybody.

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Just FYI - The stock OE replacement spark plug wires from Triumph are $140.98 / pair.

-brent

Mike, try starting with .045" and maybe go up from there. You'll be able to tell when you go too wide, 'cause the engine will start to misfire under serious load (like wicking it on up a hill).

So when you guys gonna try the turbinator or whatever it called? Between that and the Nology wires you may need wheelie bars. Al