Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Custom Corner OT - Ignition questions for the old guys.

I am finally able to start puting my 500 unit together. The engine is from a 70 T100c and it is completely taken apart in my garage.

I know there are a lot of options for ignition systems (points/digital) and electrical systems(battery/cap). I looked around on google and I haven't found anything to valuable.

I really would like to know what my options are.

Since this is a complete and total rebuild, I really have the option to take any route I want.

I have accepted the fact that this bike is a money pit, and that the 20$ here and 100$ here will add up to be more than a new t100 would cost me.

So, does anyone have any information about the different options they could send me? or do you have any advice?

I highly suggest dumping the Lucas rotor, zener diode, and rectifer and replacing with a high output sparx unit. You can actually leave the stranded parts in-place (less rotor of course) and easily make room for the solid state regulator. This will solve all charging problems you WILL have with the "lights always on" US laws (depending on what state of course).

I also suggest replacing your antiquated points and condensers (again, condensers can be left stranded) with a Boyer-Brandsen electronic ignition. Both mods are very simple to install. You'll never be adjusting/replacing points by the side of the road again.

Both mods above are well hidden and do not detract from the original astheics of the bike. They were the best thing I did to both my old Norton and Meriden Bonnie.

For parts (to include the above) I highly recommend the following. Kat only charges for actually shipping and her prices are very competitive. I've ordered parts from all over the world (NZ, CAN, UK) and she stacks up with the best of them.

AMR Vintage

Sold my old bikes (see gallery), because I wanted to spend time riding.

Regards,

Tom

I did my Daytona a favor. I collected all of the original ignition components, put 'em away for safe keeping and put an electronic set up on it. I kept the OEM stuff just for authenticity, should I decide to sell.

I had a magneto on my old 650. It didn't give me much trouble and there isn't much that can go wrong that you can't fix by the roadside. The nice thing is that it is completely independant of the lighting system.

AMR of Tucson Highly recommended! My older son has bought from them for years.