And I said, "Let there be spark..."

[Justin B.]

I guess I'll repost my Dyna coil install here since ol' "dumb-ass" wiped out the forum database.  Geezwe, I wish I had somebody to blame stuff on...

The Dyna "Brown" is the proper 1.5 ohm primary resistance for use with the stock BMW/Bosch electronic ignition but others are available suitable for use with points and/or dual plugging.


  
Step one:

I removed the old "Crack-O-Matic" stock coil:


  
I then drilled the rivets out of the stock mounting bracked, fabricated some "ears" and screwed them to the remains of the stock bracket:
  


I removed the male spade terminals from the old coil and attached them to the Dyna coil so the stock wiring would plug in.

http://www.squirtworx.com/pics/82 R65LS/1982 R65LS - dyna_coil_2.jpg

I then took my new coil assembly and mounted it to the bike in the stock location using the stock hardware and electrical connections:

http://www.squirtworx.com/pics/82 R65LS/1982 R65LS - dyna_coil_installed_2.jpg

http://www.squirtworx.com/pics/82 R65LS/1982 R65LS - dyna_coil_installed_1.jpg

Comparison between stock and Dyna:

http://www.squirtworx.com/pics/82 R65LS/1982 R65LS - stock_vs_dyna_comparo.jpg

That's all there is to it!!!

[Ed Miller]

Hi Justin,

Those are good pictures.  Was that a lot cheaper than buying the BMW replacement coil?  That's what I did, and it bolted right into place where the faulty gray coil was, with no modifications.  I think it was about $145.00.  

Thanks for the write up.  I still hope our posts from the original phorum will be available, as I want to take that front end rebuild write up I did and post it on the new Airheads wiki, to learn what it feels like to have other people mess with my writing.  

Thanks, too, for getting this forum going.j

[Justin B.]

Ed, I don't know of any way to get any of the old stuff over here other than starting a thread on this board and cutting/pasting from the old one.  If you run into anything over there that looks to be of benefit have at it, or tell me which thread and I'll give ity a try.

But, as far as the coil is concerned, it was less than half of the stocker.  I bought a pair (so I could have a spare for the wife's grey coil) from MPS Racing for a little over $130 plus shipping.

[MrRiden]

What curious looking coils! I have, on my '82 R65LS', two large automotive sized black Bosch coils. This matches the on-line parts fiche I examined. Now you have me scratching my head. Is my bike "spec" or did the DPO* change things. I will admit my coil mounts look somewhat suspicious as to original fitment.
Wondering also If I went the dual plug route would the coil / s you installed be part of the program?
Rich
                                                                                 *Dreaded Previous Owner

[Bob_Roller]

Rich, that is not a stock set-up, I have the 9th  bike off of the production line for US model year 1981, the first for the dreaded single coil dual output. Your previous owner probably had the original coil fail long ago ( the infamous crack-o-matic gray version), and didn't feel like paying $130+ US for a stock coil, and replaced it with a dual coil set-up. Nothing wrong with it as long as it works. The Dyna bolts right in using an adapter bracket as Justin showed. I got my coil from Motorrad Elektrik about a month ago for $80 plus $6 shipping. I talked to Rick Jones owner of Motorrad Elektrik, and he said that mine was the first upgraded OEM coil that he has heard of failing. My symptoms were hard starting below 55 F. and refused to start below 48 F.

[MrRiden]

Wow this gets real confusing! Real OEM shows both types of coils!
http://tinyurl.com/yyc3r4

[Justin B.]

The older (pre '81) bikes used the double round coil.  My '80 has points-in-a-can and two coils as you describe.  As long as they are wired in series, and the combined primary resistance is right ast 1.5 ohm, you should be OK.

[MrRiden]

  Ok Justin, I'll just figure mine was a retrofit at some point. I have 0 spark, starting problems and my plugs display the proper shade of tan so if it aint broke....
  Loved being able to see photos along with the coil upgrade! I'm liking this feature of the new site. I'm waiting for the UPS man to bring me a set of throttle cables. Think I may do the same treatment on cable replacement / carb balance for all to SEE
rich