Ignition dilemma

[Rumpelkrankshaft]

Following the sudden and complete demise of the electronic ignition system on the 550/4 I am thinking of refitting the original system. I need to replace both  of the point asemblies and the capacitors. I can get Honda genuine points but they are five times more expensive than aftermarket items and Honda capacitors aren't available. What's the Forum opinion on this-is the genuine option worth the extra cash bearing in mind that the capacitors will have to be aftermarket? For less than twice the cost of the Honda option I could fit a new electronic system. Over to you and Happy New Year to you all.

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

If it were me buy a whole points plate off ebay maybe and fit honda points.Capictors should not be a problem but have heard and read of lots of problems with various pattern points
Cheers
Bitsa

[Trigger]

I love the old points system but, like a lot of parts these day are getting crap and even ones that come in Honda bags. I personally would go for the electronic system. 

[matthewmosse]

When I first had my honda 500/4 I never needed to touch the points for about 150,000 miles or something quite rediculas. When they started going wrong I replaced the whole points plate with genuine Honda as at the time that wasn't that expensive. Never got it running that well with the replacement setup, even using a timing light ( Draper, fraid the stobe light might have been pretty crap and part of the problem) anyhow I replaced with a boyer system, but by then had changed a few other things and was getting carb issues so cannot comment on the reliability of the boyer system though their reputation is pretty solid. I can say 550k3 carbs whilst offering great economy were a swine for stale fuel messing them up - mine were anyway.

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

Trig
You really rate them?What do they cost these days mate?
Cheers
Bitsa

[JamesH]

I've used the Pamco system on a few 750's now - have to say I really like it...

[Green1]

Whats wrong with points they last forever in the 750

Mick

[Johnwebley]

I have used Boyer since the late 70's,fit and forget,

 just us a strobe to set it at around 4,500 rpm

[Norniron]

Wot about hondamans ignition system off our sister sohc usa site.
Ive read good reports about it

[Trigger]

Wot about hondamans ignition system off our sister sohc usa site.
Ive read good reports about it

This still needs the points in place.

[Erling]

The Hondamans ignition poins is said not to carry high tension current. Thus lasting for ever!

[fisjon]

The Honda electronic ignition system on my CB650 was futile so I ripped the whole thing out and replaced it with Boyer. If you see the power of the spark that the Boyer system supplies (it's like an arc welder), you won't want to use anything else.

[florence]

I have to favour points, I've always used them and had very few problems. 

However, the quality of replacement points is poor these days so if you can find proper ones at reasonable price..........

Electronic ignition is pure science fiction  and when it fails it usually fails catastrophically meaning a roadside repair is out of the question.

[Johnwebley]

the last electrical failure I had ,a soldered lead came off the rear off the ignition switch,quick get me home dodge,a sharp small safety pin
through the 2 wires to make a circuit,and home to affect repairs,

but,a word of advice,I you fit Electronic ignition,its always worth getting new plug caps,as they deteriorate over time and use,
thats what causes shorting issues in the wet ,also can affect the quality of the spark,

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

Same for me Florence buy decent ones and no problem.Bet all the sandcast and koers owners have gone electronic though yeah in yer dreams
Cheers
Bitsa