'73 COMMANDO RESTO-MOD MAGNETO OR EI

Hi guys,

I'm really looking for some expert advise on whether or not to run a magento or run a newer EI system on my bike. I purchased a rusted barn bike that I'm rebuilding from bolt and washer up. It's not going full custom or cafe, however, I am upgrading pretty common components. My question is... Since my bike was completely void of any ignition or battery and I don't want to run the original electrical components (even going to make a simple clean harness) is it worth a shot to try the magneto setup? My hand has sort of been forced since my powder coated lost my battery tray too :evil: Cost wise, it's going to run me the same to go with either if you factor in battery cost, new tray, stator, coils, EI. etc. etc.

Is the Magneto streetable? reliable? can I run lights off it? It will definitely clean up the bike a bit. I know it's sort of a no brainer for a race bike but I really want to hear from the guys who run it daily. please shoot me your feedback. Much appreciated!

Also, I've read, read and read more on here about the magneto vs. EI. so I know this is sort of a redundant question but I had to ask considering I have no tray or any existing ignition. Here's where I'm at now, since posting without a pic can be so boring


Mario

Where does a magneto fit on a 1973 Commando?

well, like many say, it's an eye-sore but I'm specifically referring to the Joe Hunt Mag that attaches where the points cover is.

Ok, but that's not what I call cleaning the bike up.

Pretty sure it doesn't do lights.

People who have them seem to like them.

As TT says, the Hunt mag can't really be described as 'cleaning up the bike' but it does clean up the electrics somewhat. What appeals to me about a mag is its independence, your entire harness may go up in smoke, but the mag will still work as intended!
Appearance wise, they do give a Hot Rod look.
Those who have them tend to swear by them, so they must work well.
Having said that, those that have any of the EI's (Boyer, Tri Spark, Pazon, etc) all swear by them too, so it would really seems that they all work.
Personally, I have, and swear by, the Tri Spark.
I would say, that if you think you want a mag, of for it !

So far thanks guys. yeah I'm aware that it doesn't "clean" up the bike but what I meant is clean up the electrical. I think my question is more whether or not you expects would run the mag if you had the choice to start with a typical system from scratch vs. a mag. Considering the cost of a new electrical system.

No spark advance capability on the mag= performance downgrade.

My choice: http://www.pazon.com/ignition-system/su ... 2volt.html

I'm getting the feeling for the daily rider the EI is the way to go... unfortunately I'll have to make or find another battery tray. They're easily found and not too expensive but it's one of those things where I'm angry because I HAD one. Luckily my coated said he'd coat another one on the house.

I run the Joe Hunt wart out the side. It is "Tremendous"! Someone around here figuring a way to mount these by swinging them around the front. It wasn't too long age. A search should bring it up.

However, the Sure Fire Is a sure thing. Simple, clean and effective. Cheap enough to by 2, but unlike some others where you may feel you should have a backup, seems like with the Sure Fire you only need one. Maybe and extra control box, that is the only thing I have ever heard to fail and only once.

However again, if you are going Resto Mod then throw that mag on and go man go. Get a set of those Viking 2 into 1 exhausts sticking out the same side and you be taking most of your photos TS.

Concours, you are most certainly entitled to your opinion.

Might be worth looking at Electrex world, believe they do a self contained charging unit that will run lights.

I still run a battery with stator and Pod unit.

Ya know, I think there some people playing with crank mounted units also. Now that would be the ticket. Check with comnoz.

Thanks guys, great feedback. I'm opening up to more possibilities. I love the idea of running a self contained mag unit to run my bike and not have wires going all over the place. Only trying to figure out how to run lights. I suppose I can run a stator to power the lights but then the entire system seems a bit redundant.

pete.v said:

I run the Joe Hunt wart out the side. It is "Tremendous"! Someone around here figuring a way to mount these by swinging them around the front. It wasn't too long age. A search should bring it up.

However, the Sure Fire Is a sure thing. Simple, clean and effective. Cheap enough to by 2, but unlike some others where you may feel you should have a backup, seems like with the Sure Fire you only need one. Maybe and extra control box, that is the only thing I have ever heard to fail and only once.

However again, if you are going Resto Mod then throw that mag on and go man go. Get a set of those Viking 2 into 1 exhausts sticking out the same side and you be taking most of your photos TS.

Concours, you are most certainly entitled to your opinion.

Click to expand...

Haven't seen any way to mount the Hunt mag in the front, but conversions to mount it at the rear of the timing side, back where the Lucas mag was on pre-Commando Nortons, have been around for decades. Is that the conversion you are thinking of? It's a lot more work than bolting it on at the end of the cam, but it is very tidy looking. It's also the only mag setup I've seen for a Commando that lets you have an advance mechanism, as it uses the Atlas advance unit as part of the drive mechanism.

I've run several types of fixed advance mags on Commando race engines, including ARD and Hunt, and they work great for that. Not sure I'd like them for a street bike, primarily because of the fixed advance, which makes them more prone to kickback when starting, at least on a high compression race engine. Might not be so bad for a moderate street engine, and several people on the list run them with no apparent problems. Maybe it's just a case of learning the appropriate starting technique. If it was me, I'd go with the EI. I've had good luck with the older Boyer and Lucas systems, but the newer versions with low voltage start capabilities and updated advance curves look even better. I'm about to try a Trispark on my Mk III, but the high end Pazon also looks pretty good. I've seen Pazon's with crank mounted triggers, and that has it's own appeal.

Ken

I saw that front mount mag mount here on access... here's the link wintertime-project-t20518.html definitely a change for the better with that mag mount. if there was a kit for that I would surely opt for that. Unfortunately it looks like a one off by someone with knowledge and skill.

There was a discussion some time ago about a CDI setup run from the cam where I suggested it may be better to copy a more modern bike and make one to replace the Lucas alternator.... Looks like someone has already done it. I have no idea if it is any good or not and the lighting output seems a bit low but it may be another option

http://www.electrexworld.co.uk/acatalog ... r_Kit.html

Hi 383wss.
I sold a K2F and used the money to purchase a Tri-spark and coils.
I then sold the Joe Hunt.
Hope that helps.
Ta.

I've been looking at that quite a bit. It's definitely worth a look into. I respect all the old style (new component) systems. Once installed and dialed they give the bike a still stock look which is great. However, a system where I'm not stuck with or without a battery is nice. in addition to all the loose wiring. It says it operates in the oil. I wonder if it would work fine with a vented primary cover as well for a belt drive.

I love my Joe Hunt maggie and recomend them to anyone, they have such a strong spark and I have had mine fitted for over 5 years now it works better than any E/I that I have used, it don"t need a advance system on it, it starts first kick every time even after sitting a few weeks, I don't run a battery but run my lights off the altenator with a battery elminator, the light work ok but be better with a small battery connected, but I ride my Thruxton at night times if I go out at night, but it work Ok for the brake lights etc, the best thing is the Joe Hunt are so reliable, I ran one of my 81 Triumph for over 9 years and over 250,000ks without any problems with it, but the newer J/Hs are 4 rare earth magnets and produce a stronger spark, mine runs from the points cover, yes it does stick out but I like it there it run a lot cooler out in the fresh air and bolts straight on as it comes with the mounting kit, A lot of poeple say they don't advance and wouldn't buy one because of that but the J/Hs work great without it, the faster it spins the better the spark and mine runs great at low speed as well as full speed, it has no kickback at all and when the bike when warm will start with just a half a kick, I have over 25,000 miles on it now with out even touching it, its one of the best upgrades I have ever done to my Norton in the 40 years of owership.

If you decide to go E/I I ran a Boya for over 35 years without any problems with it, but the J/H will out perform anything else, but then thats my opinion, it pays for itself as you never have to replace the battery or any other thing that reliaes on 12 volts and another thing I like about the J/H is when poeple ask what it is the B/S stories you can tell them is so funny, I would never go back to any other igition system, they are that good and I like the way it looks hanging out but my Norton is a hot rod 850 Featherbed.

Anyway hope this helps and if you need to know more let me know.

Ashley

I'm with Ashman and Irken.

I would fit a Joe Hunt where the K2F mounted in the pre-Cdos. Magnetos are the most reliable ignitions which is why they are on aircraft.

You can then choose to run a battery or not. I have a tiny 2.5 AH battery just to keep the lights bright when idling at a stoplight.

The magneto does not substitute for an alternator and rectifier/regulator .... you must have that regardless of mag or EI, but the mag will get you home if the alternator or regulator fails.

Slick

In the FWIW department..I have a K2F on my BSA A10 and love it, manual advance means I can tune out any pinging or other timing problems on the fly. It's also handy when the piss poor 6V generator powered electric system decides not to work so well. It was top of the line in its day, but that day is past. My Commando is fitted with one of Old Britts Power Arc systems and it's GREAT! Starts well, idles well, easy installation, timing was spot on right out of the box, and requires no maintenence. I can also attest to the fact, due to a POS Sparx stator :evil: that the bike will run for hundreds of miles on battery power alone as long as you leave the lights off it that's a concern to you. IMHO>>>> If you're looking to build a streetable rider put an EI on and use the Joe Hunt for a doorstop.
PS-if you need a battery tray PM me, I have a spare one.