Electronic ignition on 16H

Previously antony_ryan wrote:

Hi Guys, has anyone fitted these electronic ignition devices in place of the points on the end of a magdyno on a 16H? Any thoughts, advice will be good. It's just that it looks as if my mag is not too healthy and if they work it seems to me it could be a better and far cheaper option than sending the mag away. Cheers Tony.

Yes, I fitted a Thorspark unit, to my '54 Dominator (they do a single cylinder version), it works very well. However, if I were living in the UK, instead of Spain, I would have sent the mag to "Brightspark" for overhaul. The Thorspark unit is easy to fit, and the mag does not have to be removed. With a little care, it is hard to tell that the mag has been converted. Look up Sussex Motorcycles, or Thorspark, on the web for details.

A properly rebuilt magneto is quite a reliable instrument and the problem with an electronic system is that you then become dependent on a battery. I'm inclined to trust a magneto more than an E3M dynamo and regulator. Your dynamo will need overhauling anyway and the mag bearings etc. will need to be in good order.

A flat battery due to leaving the lights on will mean no ignition.