BSA Update

[Semper Gumby]

I havn't had to work on the R65 much so much so here is a BSA update.

The Firebird got a new Tri-Spark electronic ignition from Austrailia this week.  It features a programmed digital advance and a static timing light just like the Omega on my R65.  What a difference it makes. I had to change out the 12 volt coils for 6 volt ones as it runs the 6 volt coils in series and fires both at the same time.  But the bike now idles and jumps off the mark.  Takes a quirky cool motorcycle and turns into a wonderful cool motorcycle.  Instead of being sooty, the plugs are now running light grey just like they should be.

Today I'm replacing the Zener Diode and the Rectifier with a Tympanium Unit as the Zener has stopped working and system voltage after a while on the road runs up to 15 volts!

After the tympanium is installed it will almost be a modern motorcycle.  

Perhaps a LED taillight is next.

[Ed Miller]

A Tri Spark?!  I am so jealous.  Can you double check what you said about both firing at once, though, as the owner told me they are not a wasted spark system?  Unless he figures wasted spark is good enough for BSAs....  (running, ducking, etc.!)

Here's the tail light; my Triumph has it already.  I have turn signals too but I don't think he makes them any more.

http://www.bulbsthatlast4ever.com/

http://www.bulbsthatlast4ever.com/products/679-si.html

[Semper Gumby]

Hi Ed,

Both the coils are in series with one wire from the ignition (Black and White).  The other two wire go to the ignition circuit on the bike (Black and Yellow) and to ground on the case of the engine (red).  So when the signal comes from the ignition, both coils fire.  I verified this tonight when I did a compresson check (144 L 150 R).  Both Champions were putting our strong blue parks.

It's a waisted spark system.  But I really like it.  I know the literature for their ignition for the triples is individual spark but this one is not.

Bulbs forever: I think that may be my next aquistion for this bike with some LED for the Instuments from Paul Geoff in England.  He claims to have some supar brite led so you can actually see the instruments at night.  Would be nice.

Bill

[MrRiden]

Speaking of riding a BSA at night http://www.apple.com/trailers/magnolia/gonzo/trailer/

[Semper Gumby]

Cool!  I'm there!  Is this already out?  I can get Netflicks to send it if it is.  

Staff?  STAFF!  STAAAAAFFFFFFF.......

[MrRiden]

Should be out in July. The ride depicted is written at the end of the Hells Angels book. Have it mapped out in Google for my next CA trip. Been "down the long hill to Pacifica" but missed the golden Gate Park bit.
rich
quietly assembling a Britt Bike

http://www.pleasurebarons.com/hst_hells_angels.html

[Ed Miller]

Bill, why the Tri-Spark as opposed to Pazon, Boyer, or Sparx?  Just curious.

[Semper Gumby]

Ah!  Well...

1) No remote box - all is located under the timing cover on the RH side of the motor = easy installation.

2) Advertised as "able to operate at voltages lower than that required by the "boyer" = keeps running at stop lights with weak British electrical system (half a phase Lucas) at its weakest.

3) Timing light (LED) on the unit for setting the static timing (just like my Omega on the R65).  Gets timing close before putting the strobe on it to get the timing perfect.

4) I keep the stock appearence although I switch to 6 volt coils (in series).  The wiring was simple with only one connector on the BSA's wiring loom changed.

5) Programmed advance curve supposed to prevent detonation with "idle Stabilization" = it's very stabile farting around town and I don't have to worry about keeping the rpms up at a red light.

6) They answered my e-mails in a timely manner (usually one day or less).  There was one minor problem with the instructions which I e-mailed to them and they promised to make a change to a note to include the BSA A65. (the timing rotor moves CCW - Counter clockwise which makes a difference on the initial static timing setting).

Maybe I'm drinking koolaid but the bike is so much more drivable than it was that I'm looking for excuses to riding the Firebird.

On Tuesday this week I did 250 miles out to Aonia Motopark in 91 degree heat (did a vintage Observed trials course (Montessa 348 Cota) and some flat track riding (BSA Victor 441).  The bike ran really well with no hiccups.  On the way out at 60 mph I got 45mpg.  On the way back I ran at 70-75 and I have yet to fill the tank. The bike pulled hard all the way to 7000 rpms.

I really like the Tri-Spark just like I like the Omega on the R65.  Takes the worry out of riding a 39 year old motorcycle.  BTW - The electrical system is also regulated by a single phase Typanium unit as the Zener diode doesn't work.

TTFN,

[Ed Miller]

Thanks.  I was actually a little paranoid about having the electronics inside the timing case, where they can't really cool down.  I still may get that, but I'll grill the guy first about wasted spark versus sequential firing....

I don't worry about my points ignition letting me down, I think it's reliable.  What I don't like is the degradation in performance as the sliders wear, changing the dwell, which makes the bike slower.  

[Semper Gumby]

I think that the biggest thing you can do is to change out the two condensors under the seat.  They don't last that long.  I have heard said that they start to go down hill after 18 months.  If you have never changed them...well, throw them out and get some new ones.  You might could get away with some from Rick at Motoelekrik.   As for the rest a good points file when gapping the points and setting you timing every 2K (or is it 4K?) or so will keep things on the up and up.

As for heat and electronics - the Omega ignition has been under the front cover of the R65 for about 2 years with no ill effects...I'll keep you posted.  Anything that makes a Brit bike simpler to maintain is OK in my book.  The tri-Spark fits that bill.

TTFN,

[mikeyd3]

My trident has a Tri spark since I bought it. Its one of those things, its never given me any problems or issues enough to even notice its presence. Too bad I cant get the trispark people to retro fit something to stop the trail of oil I leave every where I go.  [smiley=lolk.gif]

[Semper Gumby]

My trident has a Tri spark since I bought it. Its one of those things, its never given me any problems or issues enough to even notice its presence. Too bad I cant get the trispark people to retro fit something to stop the trail of oil I leave every where I go.  [smiley=lolk.gif]

The gaskets are of dubious construction (really thin and flimsey.)  I think the Primary side gasket could be something on the thinkness of a BMW cylinder head cover gasket with no ill effects.  Hmmm. perhaps I have found a mission in life!

I am half tempted to ride the Firebird to the Gathering of the Clans but my R65 has been sitting idle to much so it's time to stretch its legs.

TTFN

[mikeyd3]

Ive always thought that the seams the gaskets seal were the larger problem. The fact that the circumference of the seal goes over and under, as opposed to around, makes a leak inevitable. Then you throw in the narrow gaskets and vibrations to get my "British Trail of Tears". I love her anyway but I take the Beemer on the road trips and the Triumph to the local stops and shops. IMHO

[Altritter]

I'm very impressed by your avatar photo. If I'm not mistaken, it's from the first 5 minutes of "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp." The cable television station specializing in cinema classics here shows "Blimp" every now and then. Both the film itself and its back story (Churchill's hating it, among other things) are fascinating. I've never seen a Michael Powell movie that I didn't like.

[Altritter]

Point of clarification: The preceding message (#13, sent by me) refers to mikeyd3's photo avatar of the British Army motorcycle couriers in formation. My apologies in advance for the off-topic posting. I posted the message on impulse, while I was bleary-eyed tired. I'll ask a question in another posting. JT