Broke down on way home from Work today...

[fermin]

Thanks Bob.  I'll get the 0 K ohm wires and the Iridiums and see if I start 'popin' wheelies. Let you know

[Barry]

So if I understand this correctly, on my 1984 with electronic ignition I can replace the 5k with 1K ohm wires, install Iridium resitor plugs and have the most powerful spark money can buy?  

Well not exactly. Having electronic ignition in the first place means you don't have to worry too much about having a powerful enough spark. Nor do you need to worry too much about having resistor plugs and resistor caps. But yes using resistor plugs does mean you could use 1K caps or 0K caps come to that.  

While it would in theory result in a little more spark energy the real question is does a more powerful spark make any practical difference most of the time on an airhead. It's more of an issue with a marginal points ignition system. The electronic ignition coils already have twice the energy of the points coils and how much difference does that make ?  Not a a lot if any as far as I know. Same plug gaps same published power output.

What you must get with a more powerful ignition system is more reserve energy up your sleeve for firing fouled or wet plugs.

[Adrian]

Hi and thanks Barry - thats really useful information about my R65 ignition sustem. I wont bother with iridiums now and save the money for more needed stuff on my journey thru the rebuild.  [smiley=thumbsup.gif] [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[jg928s4]

Tried to see if later Hall type can would be good for parts but no luck.  need the shaft w/the Lobe on it as pictured.

Points type on left (note broken tab for spring mount)   later type on right.

Time to go to aftermarket electric?

[Ed Miller]

Good time for it, if you can't find good used parts.

[fermin]

Just received the caps, wires, plugs etc from  Mikes (http://www.mikesxs.net/products-27.html#products) and not to sound too much like a newie but how do I attach the wire to the cap and the coil wire ends?
.  

[montmil]

... how do I attach the wire to the cap and the coil wire ends?

If you still have the OEM ignition wires, use a soldering gun to remove the metal clips from the coil end of the wires. Refit them to the new wires. Props to BMW for fitting these clips as they do the best job. A small smear of dielectric grease will help them "click" into the Dyna coil.

The NGK caps simply screw onto the end of the wires. Not exactly the greatest technique but that's what we've got. Peek into the NGK cap and you'll see a pointy brass screw thread. Center that screw in the plug wire or you'll end up being "screwed" with poor contact.

Hope this explains the fit-up for you.

Monte

[fermin]

Thanks Monte, will do. Curious as to find out if theres a noticeable difference between the current 5K wires and sparkplugs and the new 0K w/ Iridiums

[jg928s4]

Bean Can from E-Bay has bike back on the road, now time to get timing dialed in.