Forum

[ROBERT]

Hello everyone, My magneto has now bit the dust. This gives me the chance to up grade to an electronic ignition. Has anyone changed from an old contact breaker points to electronic ? Its for a 350 BULLETT 1955 which has the wonderful points that go round and round !


kind regards


ROBERT

[simon]

Fix the mag. You'll most likely get it fixed for around the same cost of fitting some inappropriate piece of modern kit and the provenance of an old machine will be maintained. What is wrong with the mag? Also should it be an N1 ( which has rotating points) or should it be an SR1 by 1955? Does it have an altenator or are we talking mag dyno here in which case you'll have to replace the charging system at the same time.

[John M]

If you have a crank mounted alternator then it would be simple to convert to electronic ignition by using the Indian distributor and modern electronic igntion.


If you have the original 1955 engine (square oil pump housing smooth oil tank and no auto-advance bulge) then it should have a mag/dynamo and electronic ignition will not be cheap.


BTH do self generating electronic ignition units that replace magnetos, but you are looking in the region of £500 even if they do a suitable unit.


If you don't need lights then a Lucas SR1 will fit in place of a mag-dyno, but you will have to do without advance and retard. This is the set uo I have on mine and it works well.


If you allready have an SR1 fitted then fix it, they are simple, reliable and easy to repair.

[ROBERT]

Many thanks Simon, John for the reply. The Mag has burnt out and needs a re-wind about £200-250 I think. I understand about the up grade not being in keeping with the year of the bike but I understand that I can fit a unit within the points cover cap and would look the same as an original Mag Dyn which would still be in place but not working of course.


I will have a think about it a bit more !!!


Must get it going soon as the sunny weather is on its way !


Kind regards


ROERT

[simon]

I don't think the rewind should cost that much. My mate sent his N1 off a 1950 G80 Matchless to a chap called Dave Lindsley in the UK from here in NZ and I don't think it even cost $300NZD. Check him out, he did a lovely job and with modern wire and insulation you should never have a problem again. S