Electronic Ignition For '80 R65

[Bob_Roller]

Through the 'grapevine' at work, I received a message that a co-worker in Las Vegas has an '80 R65 and wants to install an electronic ignition on his '80 R65 .

The first question, was if the OEM electronic system would work on the bike .

My response, was if you could find the correct electrical connector for the ignition control module, it was 'doable ' .

Has anyone installed an aftermarket electronic system on their points version R65 ?

[georgesgiralt]

Hello,
The connectors are available, either at specialized dealers (look for AMP junior timer) or BMW dealer with the correct set of wires to fit the bike and the modules.
In France, a lot of people have assisted the points with various electronic modules from cars like the Renault Super 5 which has a module (like a small relay) made by Cartier which is straightforward to install and cost around 5 Euro in a junk yard. Plenty of such devices available from car of this era.
If I had to install an electronic bean can, I'll buy the later Bosch double coil (which is an improved version versus the "crack-O-matic" grey coil), an ignition module and the wiring. Not cheap but easy to install and good for a lifetime...

[montmil]

Not OEM, but my R100S has a Dyna electronic ignition replacing the points. Flawless operation. Might possibly be more economical to go aftermarket rather than chase down a well-used electronic bean can and all the fittings.

And wouldn't your friend need the proper ICU? Brand new, those are fairly economical. I've also purchased several used R65 wiring harness just to have the connectors. Check eBay. That often go very low ball.

Flip side: Some riders love the points system. It's just the gap adjustments that get them thinking about electronic.

[Barry]

The bean can would fit fine but the the space where the amplifier sits is not there on the early bikes so it's doable but not plug and play. If I was going to spend the sort of money that a new electronic bean can would cost I'd go for a fancy crank triggered digital system with adjustable advance curves  built in. I'd go as far as to say the only expensive systems worth buying are digital ones.

Also worth remembering that while electronic ignition on it's own brings some improvement in the spark from faster switching, if any serious money is being spent you really should upgrade to the appropriate low resistance coils for maximum benefit.

As it is I'm using a points driven ignition amplifier which cost £10 to build and has been 100% reliable.

There are certainly some ICU's available from car breakers that would work especially in Australia and the US where early systems were simple. Some can even be triggered with points if desired using a simple circuit. The only thing to be careful of is whether they have built in dwell control. I've got some info on this if anyone wants to do a trail blazing diy approach.