Triumphrat

12-30-2006, 01:24 AM

I'm looking at putting a Boyer setup on my T100C but want some help with it. Should I get a podtronics kit? what does that do? I'm not looking to restore it, just to ride it in the area, so I want it to be reliable.

I have had some trouble with it popping front headlights and that was the reason I didn't get my liscence last summer, cause it wasn't legal

.

Thanks!!

CommandoRdster · 12-30-2006, 04:31 AM

If you want a reliable system, stick with the stock points set up.
For one thing, if your charging system is not 100%, and your battery gets a little low, the Boyer may not spark at all. But the biggie, for me is that, if the Boyer fries,(and they do, I know from experience) you will be pushing. Most of the time you can get points working good enough roadside to limp home. Just get a good understanding of how they work, get them in good condition(including wiring,condensers, and advance unit), and with a little easy maintenance, they will never let you down.

If you're popping light bulbs, it sounds like your overcharging. Check your zener diode. Make sure it's wired up properly and functioning. Also make sure your headlight assembly is not loose, and vibrating around. That can cause bulb failure as well.

As to the answer to your actual question, don't worry, someone will be along soon to fill you in.

Good luck,and welcome to the forum. Keep us posted. :chug:

[ This message was edited by: CommandoRdster on 2006-12-30 02:43 ]

peintremondain · 12-30-2006, 07:17 AM

i completely agree with you Commando(aaahhh...pushing a triumph uphill in mid summer...!)
ben

hobbit · 12-30-2006, 04:23 PM

'course there's always one . . .
I put a 3 phase alternator, podtronics regulator/rectifer & boyer cdi on my '78 tiger, 21 years later ( alright a mere 30k miles - i was abroad for a few years . . . ) never pushed it - alright I lie, ran out of petrol being a tightwad a couple of weeks back . . . :-D
My opinion, best thing I ever did, but you'll get arguments from both sides.

johnnypence · 12-30-2006, 04:32 PM

i run one, but never had points. i wouldn't know a difference, but have no complaints at all. i hear a lot of people talking about fiddling with points , and i don't have to.

so seriously, what causes a boyer box to fry? i've heard these horror stories, but it seems to me that if it's wired properly, and nothing upstream of it changes in an ugly way, it should work forever. can someone explain that?

peintremondain · 12-30-2006, 04:53 PM

hi johnny,
is your first tv still working?
electronics fails too. too hot ,too old etc...my boyer worked 6 or seven years and suddenly...mayday mayday
and i like too fiddle a little bit ..cause when it works you feels like a winner or a (small,very small )hero.ask to the wife of the guy i helped to fit his gleaming austin healy's points back!
the smile she gave me was worth the fiddling :wink:
ben
ps:i know there is not a lot austin healy around but....

okiecityflash · 12-30-2006, 10:06 PM

Either- way. I've ridden Harley's with points for years. Need the the light put on them now and again. Carried an extra set of points, never needed them on the road. Bought an early '78 hog (points). The late '78's came out with electronic ign.. Had your decision to make. I knew I could always get it going if I had to. As I did a lot of long distance riding as a loner it was something to ponder. Heard good things and put in electronics in '81. Never failed and never put a light on it till I sold it. If my triumph came with points I don't know. I like to wrench a little now and don't run over 200 mi. or so at the most. The Rita in mine hasn't failed even though I fried the harness to the frame ground charging the batt. So after all this palaver I guess I'm not afraid of either one. :lalala:

CommandoRdster · 12-31-2006, 04:17 AM

What makes 'em fry? I don't know, but I sell about a half dozen electronic ignition modules a day. It seems to be heat related. After a long ride, no problems at all, you shut it down, and it just won't start. Sometimes after they cool down, they will spark again, so you can get home. That will be your only warning, so heed it! At least with points, when they start to burn, or wear out, performance deteriorates, so you know to look for a problem.

Plus, for most bikes, it's a stepping stone process. First the Boyer,then a 3 phase alt,and rectifier/regulator, because the stock setup won't supply the Boyers needs. So it's usually more than just popping in the Boyer and riding away.

Keep watching this thread, because lots of other riders are going to chime in on this one, people who know a hell of a lot more than us(Where are you Mecchanica?) Then do whatever gives you peace of mind. That's what is most important anyway!

Cheers
:chug:

TR6 · 01-02-2007, 08:30 PM

A Podtronics has worked really well for me... no Zener, etc. Still running points on my TR6. Aside from a problem with an AAU unit that siezed due to bad maintenance, points have worked well for me (rode 250+ days this past year). As others have stated, a Boyer offers clear advantages (e.g., set and forget) and a few disadvantages.