Electronic Ignition for FH

[Glyn.Ford]

Hi all. Lookng for general advice for an Electronic Ignition system kit for my 1957 Huntmaster FH. So far I have an E3L 6V Dynamo which is working, but I will be referbishing (clean case, new brushes etc), and I have a 6v Horn.

Wondering what Electronic Ignition systems you folks are using or can reccomend? I would like to dispose of the old "Points" switching in the Magnito if possable.

I have been lookng at Pazon or Boyer Bransden systems.

Many thanks.

Glyn Ford.

[robin.parker]

IMHO Glyn, There's nothing to worry about with a Magneto if it's been sorted and set up properly, we all have our favoured specialists, I strongly recommend Tony Cooper. If you are going to stay with a 6volt system, then I'd get the Mag reconditioned and enjoy the bike in all it's 50's simplicity.
Good luck,
Robin.

[keith.mettam]

Hi Glyn,
Thorspark sell a system which utilises the original magneto and it's advance/retard mechanism. They do it for both 6 or 12 volt systems and in either positive or negative earth. This would probably be your best and simplest option. If you do go down this road just make sure your mag bearings are good and the auto advance/retard works properly. Their link is :-

http://www.sussexmotorcycles.com/thorspark.html

I looked at changing my NH over to an electronic ignition system when rebuilding it a couple of years back. In the end I decided to spend the money on refurbishing the mag......new bearings, rewound armature etc. I am glad I did as the bike never misses a beat and always starts easily hot or cold. I don't hang around on it either, often giving it a good hammering (well as much as you can on one of these heavy plodders) when out and about !
I believe there may have been a thread on here somewhere that has already covered this subject. It might help you decide, if you can find it.
All the best with it.
Keith Mettam.

[Glyn.Ford]

Thanks Keith, Robin.

Decided to go for a Parzon 12v kit, with MagnetoConversion. Modern ignition system for the same cost of sending my old Magneto off for rebuild.

[robin.parker]

Glyn.
I have a Mag equipped VH which always starts.
I also have an AJS which, stupidly I bought equipped with an expensive electronic ignition conversion, and a posh 12 volt Alton generator, the AJS usually starts very easily,or not at all, depending on battery condition, if I leave it in the shed for a week or so, out has to come the battery charger!
I am on the lookout for an SR1 mag and a dynamo for the AJS, because I don't trust it as it is. The old Lucas stuff may well have always been rubbish but it is OUR simple rubbish, we know how it works and can almost always persuade it to get us home.
Don't forget, a recon. K2F mag is a thing of beauty and joy!
Sorry to have gone on a bit,
All the best,Robin.

[simon.holyfield]

Hooray for the Lucas Mag! I ran an AJS Model 30 for years and it always started, rain or shine. My Wipac equipped Bantam always starts too.

[admin]

Is it me or do these modern little lead acid batteries not last long ? That's what puts me off coil ignition on old bikes.
They are pretty tiny though (to get into the rubber battery box).
I have a mate with a trade account and I awlays buy a few as I lose at least one a year ... despite having a 6v battery minder ..
Are there batteries with more longevity out there ?

Recommend this battery charger BTW, 6v and 12v:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321015218145? ... 1497.l2649

comes with three lead sets; one to screw to your battery, one to feed in through a cigarette lighter socket and one set with clamps. You can cut the cigarette lighter end off and put some terminals on (get them the right way around) and thus have two batteries with a permenant connection (so you don't have to open the battery box and fish them out).

[brenton.roy]

No, it's not just you John. I killed a couple on the square four and wondered if I was over charging them?
I've had a larger battery for a couple of years, no problems.

[david.anderson]

After not getting more than 2 years out of 6ah lead acid batteries that fit into the battery box, I have gone to AGM batteries. The makers tell us they last longer and can sit a long time without charging. The first one of them (a 7ah battery) died suddenly a week ago. Perfect the weekend before, but dead last weekend and will not accept a charge. It to was only 2 years old and I paid a lot more for it than a lead acid.
David

[keith.mettam]

It is not just lead acid batteries John. My 12v Cyclon set is just over two years old and will no longer hold a charge. As I run a mag on the NH this poses no ignition problems for me. The charging system on the bike is fine so all lights still work well when out riding it. I certainly don't intend to buy a new battery every two years. Will hang on hoping for the battery wizards to come up with something better for us classic owners.
Keith.