SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB350/400
Power consumption, E-ignition vs Points. also - spare advance cam?
K2-K6:
The "Hondaman" units, along with some others, use the points to trigger with electronic load switching of coils to give hybrid system.
Boyer uses all electronic, triggering, advance/retard (deletes std mechanism) with internal curve determination, multi spark at low rpm, control of dwell independent of crank speed etc .... essentially a full change to most automated into that unit of most system on offer.
K2-K6:
--- Quote from: Mikep328 on April 29, 2024, 08:50:24 AM ---Update: I ended up going back to the USA before continuing with this "project." While there I came across a complete points plate/advance unit in a garage sale for 10 USD! I checked the condensers with a real capacitor tester (not a multimeter) and they show good as far as capacitance and voltage. Points are original ND and look essentially unused.
Now I'm back in the UK eyeing these parts wondering whether I REALLY want to install the OEM system or just leave the perfectly functioning DSS EI in place. Logic/common sense would dictate leaving the EI; but I have this NON-common sense urge to have the points in there...
I haven't awakened the 400 yet from it's winter slumber - been too cold/wet for me but hope to do that sometime this week. It's probably not often that someone has a perfectly running machine and intentionally changes something that may make it less so and I can't think of any operational advantage that the points would provide! Yes, they will provide a spark with less voltage than EI but I haven't seen any case with my 400 where low voltage is an issue. ::) So more thinking...
--- End quote ---
I'd be inclined to keep the fitted DS system to run it, bag the original and store to see if there's need later on.
I doesn't look to me that you could tell the difference between the two from running perspective, conditional on the points system working as it should when new. But ultimately it will wear more during use.
It is hard (seems common across many points system in different manufacturers) to get condensers that would fully support competent running now. Many complaints across different forum etc.
If youve bought that good set and want them as backup longer term, running the DS system appears sensible. More personal decision than any real practical choice, with either being fine in running the engine.
McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
I agree with K2-K6 on his comments, when I eventually get my 500 running I will use the CB points system as I know it ran on them just fine.
Probably after a few hundred miles I will fit my electronic system that I sourced from Bryan.
Part of me says a hybrid system is neither fish nor flesh so like most things it's down to personal choice.
I suspect I have often made up my mind then seek out answers to confirm my already held biased views.
Moorey:
The argument for the Hondaman hybrid system is there is virtually no arcing at the points making them last 10s of thousands of
miles with no maintenance only the odd lube of the felt now and then. If there is a fault on the electronics it can be reverted back
to the standard system at the side of the road in a couple of minutes. I still run the original system but would go for the
Hondaman if going electronic.
Mikep328:
Good points (NPI), thanks. I readily admit that my interest in the OEM system is mostly "just because" it would be original.
I love mechanical stuff and the points appeal to me in that regard. Yeah...I'm a "mechanical guy" not a smart guy! :) The point (again, NPI) about wear is, of course a really valid one and I have read about modern ignition condensers and points being rather poor quality compared to that of back in the day. Then again, I don't ride my CB400 like I did back then when one motorcycle was my only vehicle so the wear quotient is pretty low in comparison.
Too much thinking - my dad would have said, "Install them or DON"T install them - make up your mind!"
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