The Spares Company
Club Shop/Regalia
Parent Website
Contact Officials
Machine Registrar
Club Secretary
Membership Secretaries
MPH Editor and Forum Administrator.
Section Newsletters
Technical Databases
Photos
Home
What's new
Latest activity
Forums
New posts
What's new
New posts
Latest activity
Information
Bike Modifications
Machine Data Services
Manufacturers Manuals
Spare Parts Listings
Technical Diagrams
Whitakerpedia (Vincent Wiki)
The Club
MPH Material Archive
Flogger's Corner
Obituaries
VOC Sections
Local Sections
Local Section Newsletters
Miscellaneous
Club Assets
Club History
Club Rules
Machine Data Services
Meeting Documents
Miscellaneous
Essential Reading
Magazine/Newspaper Articles/Letters
Adverts and Sales Brochures
The Mighty Garage Videos
Bikes For Sale (Spares Company)
Log in
Register
What's new
New posts
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Home
Forums
Forums: Public Access
Tech. Advice: Series 'B' / 'C' 500cc/1000cc Bikes
Old Coil Ignition Points Identification
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Monkeypants" data-source="post: 108642" data-attributes="member: 2708"><p>The bike is 12 volt everywhere except the ignition.</p><p>It uses a ballast resistor to drop the 12 volt down to 6.</p><p>Norton Commandos had this same setup, 12 volt lighting/charging, ballast resistor and 6 volt ignition.</p><p>In fact the ballast resistor is also a Commando item, as are the 6 volt coils.</p><p>It was an easy start system on the Commando too, but the Commando ATD was poor.</p><p>I'm not sure how Triumph and BSA points equipped bikes were set up.</p><p>The thinking with the Commando ignition was that 6 volts was easier on the points than 12v.</p><p>They certainly last and last. The lifespan is way beyond what was normal with 12 volt North American distributor/ points.</p><p></p><p>Nigel, that is correct, the voltage theft with less than 20 thou gap is a peculiarity of this system for the Vincent. This doesn't occur on a 360 crank parallel twin.</p><p>I thought perhaps my system was a home made one off but John said no, it once was a manufactured item for Vincents. Apparently it was quite popular as these units keep showing up.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Monkeypants, post: 108642, member: 2708"] The bike is 12 volt everywhere except the ignition. It uses a ballast resistor to drop the 12 volt down to 6. Norton Commandos had this same setup, 12 volt lighting/charging, ballast resistor and 6 volt ignition. In fact the ballast resistor is also a Commando item, as are the 6 volt coils. It was an easy start system on the Commando too, but the Commando ATD was poor. I'm not sure how Triumph and BSA points equipped bikes were set up. The thinking with the Commando ignition was that 6 volts was easier on the points than 12v. They certainly last and last. The lifespan is way beyond what was normal with 12 volt North American distributor/ points. Nigel, that is correct, the voltage theft with less than 20 thou gap is a peculiarity of this system for the Vincent. This doesn't occur on a 360 crank parallel twin. I thought perhaps my system was a home made one off but John said no, it once was a manufactured item for Vincents. Apparently it was quite popular as these units keep showing up. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
What was Mr Vincent's Christian Name?
Post reply
Home
Forums
Forums: Public Access
Tech. Advice: Series 'B' / 'C' 500cc/1000cc Bikes
Old Coil Ignition Points Identification
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
Accept
Learn more…
Top