Electric on T3/SPG5 etc

[mhsilverw]

My guzzi SP having a make over and some work.

Question1: Any thoughts on a replacement Dyna ignition upgrade or would you stay with points ignition?

Question2: Any thoughts on a modern combined regulator/rectifier?

Thoughts?

Mark

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

My guzzi SP having a make over and some work.

Question1: Any thoughts on a replacement Dyna ignition upgrade or would you stay with points ignition?

Question2: Any thoughts on a modern combined regulator/rectifier?

Thoughts?

Mark

Just my opinion: A Dyna wouldn't be my first choice of electronic ignition. They have a history of failures and that seems to have gotten even worse now that their components are apparently sourced from S.E. Asia. If budget allows, you might consider a C5 Ignition: http://www.c5ignitions.com/motorcycle-ignitions.html (scroll down for Guzzi).

That said, if you're not putting on a lot of miles per year (say less than 5k miles a year), then I'd stick with points. Lube the lobe of the cam with a little dab of Bosch Distributor Grease and they'll stay in gap spec. for a long time.

I installed one of these regulator/rectifiers on a customer's SP, but he sold it shortly afterwards, so no feedback on durability. Worked very well during my test rides.

http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/product-p/edl-voltrect.htm

[swooshdave]

Regulator/rectifiers are pretty common. Does the Bosch alternator take anything special?

That one is nice with the extra long wiring harness.

On the British side the Podtronics was always popular. Those are about $75.

[Groover]

I had this same exact dilemma a few years ago when I restored an 81 G5. Lots of opinions on this topic for sure. I opted to stay with the stock setup (points, and separate regulator and rectifier) and I'm happy with that. I ride less than 5K a year, and that setup is rock solid, Plus, it's easier to trouble-shoot if a problem were to arise.

Charlie (Antietam Classic Cycle) was a great help to me during the restoration, so if you were to consider an upgrade to more modern components I'd take his advise on that.

My one advise would be to be sure you have good wiring. If that is bad, or has been tampered with over the years and is patched here and there, I'd get rid of that and either rebuild one or have one rebuild. Greg Bender at http://www.thisoldtractor.com/for_sale_wiring_harness.html does nice reproductions and is worth the cost (doesn't seem like it at first) but you'll be glad you did.

Good luck.

[rodekyll]

Ignition isn't something I'd fix without it being broken.  If the points fail you, then look into something else.  Until then, unless you just WANT a dyna, stick with what is working.

When the time DOES come, get brave.  Get bold.  Get brilliant -- fuel inject it. 

[mhsilverw]

Hi,
Thank you for that.
Sound advise - will stay with points and as is for now.
Makes sense.
Regards
Mark