Triumphrat

MoabRocker · 10-24-2008, 06:52 AM

ARD Magneto vs Boyer ignition

I’m building a Gary Scott 1977 Replica Flat Tracker, out of a 1977 Bonneville T140V 750, tagged titled and registered.
I’m going to add a moderate level of performance upgrades, nothing to radical, TT-pipes, cams, pistons, carbs and some flow work on the head. I’m leaning towards eliminating the battery, charging system and Boyer Ignition in way of running an ARD Magneto. I was wondering what the feasibility was in implementing this option, what are the Pros and Cons between the Battery/Boyer setup and the simplified Magneto option ? ? ?

http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/clas...ike.asp?id=107
http://www.britcycle.com/Products/ard_cdi_magneto.htm
http://www.britcycle.com/products/331/331_series.htm

GrandPaulZ · 10-24-2008, 10:40 AM

Read the fine print in RED above the listing for the ARD. They aren't being built any more, or i'd buy a crate of 'em. That's the absolute best setup.

I like Sparx electronics better than Boyers. Some folks swear by the Pazon and Tri-spark.

Boyers are sucky.

sam-buca · 10-25-2008, 08:46 PM

Boyers are fine. Have had same one on my bike for 35 years. Maybe there are better ones out there now but they are not "sucky" by any means. You could buy a whole bike for the price of an ARD mag.

MoabRocker · 10-25-2008, 11:08 PM

Roger that Sam & Paul.
The Mags show up used every now and then on Ebay and at Swaps, they are high dollar but I like the setup. I wonder what the chance of ARD producing another run of that unit? I guess the realistic and practice setup would be a high output 3 phase alternator, capacitor-rectifier/regulator and electronic ignition. Is there a preferred package/Mfg or combination of components? Boyer, Sparx, Tympanium, Mighty Max, Sears ? ? ?
My proposed setup includes LED Tail, Running & Turns with some sort of Halogen or HID head lamp. What kind of issues would I be running in to with this wish list?

MoabRocker · 10-25-2008, 11:27 PM

Hmmmmm ? ? ? ? Just realized something. An electronic ignition will not light up without a battery, or will it ? ? ? If you run a non-battery system is your only ignition options points or mags ? ? Anyone know how the advance characteristics compare between the different options ?

GrandPaulZ · 10-25-2008, 11:31 PM

You can always run with a small gel pack / AGM battery.

I like Sparx ignitions for simplicity, reliability and price.

A Sparx 3-phase alternator and regulator/rectifier combo is the hot ticket for getting amps to the systems at low RPM.

sam-buca · 10-26-2008, 10:06 AM

If I had to do it all over again the Sparx setup would be the way to go. I run the Boyer with Lucas 3-phase alternator bought when they first came out and halogen Philips MotoVision bulb. The battery is the biggest I could fit in the space - 14AH. There is plenty of light and juice for the Boyer. But the Sparx is a more modern design and as GPZ says the price is more than right.

I have a spare Boyer that I bought when troubleshooting a problem and it turned out not to be the problem. (Clogged Amal idle jets due to dissolving tank!) Also I somehow ended up with an extra Boyer black box beyond that. I think it was used, from eBay, and I couldn't resist the deal. I forgot I even had it! So it looks like I will have to stick with Boyer for a while.

78tiger · 10-27-2008, 10:44 PM

If all you want is the ARD look with a magneto, British Cycle Supply offers a setup using a Joe Hunt mag. You can get a replica cover, belt drive, and the Joe Hunt mag. Or at least they list it, you'd have to call for availability, I'd guess.

GrandPaulZ · 10-28-2008, 11:22 AM

78tiger, you are thinking of the old "lump" style magnet/mechanical style magnetos, I think our interest is in the new microelectronic mini magnetos that are a small, round 1" thick apparatus that bolts into the points cavity.

lytedrive · 03-15-2009, 08:06 AM

A Lucas magneto with a manual advance can be fitted
to a ARD belt driven Magneto,

Also a pillar bolted to the camshaft area will facilitate a
Electronic ignition with a spin on oil filter mounted where

the magneto once fitted,