A50 Electronic ignition.

[CAW74]

Hi to all from a new member,
I'm considering electronic ignition for the above bike.
It's currently 6v positive earth.
Have any of you had much experience with the Wassell 6v system?
I understand it's fairly new.
I was hoping to fit one of these as opposed to the 12v version in order to save replacing more components.
Any advice would be great...
Many thanks...

[bikerbob]

I have a 1963 A65 and have Pazon electronic ignition fitted for about 8years now without any problems, my bike is 12 volt but they do a 6volt version for your bike, the instructions that come with it are easy to follow. you do realise that with electronic ignition you have to have a good battery, I do not know about the Wassel system but speaking personally I try to avoid anything made by Wassel as some of their products have a reliability problem. I once let the battery some years ago go below 12 vlolts and I did not realise that when this happens the Pazon system goes to full advance when trying to start the bike this resulted in kick back from the kick starter although the bike did start eventually.

[ChrisG]

Bob,
The same happens with Boyer systems as well. Apparently, the advance curve shifts resulting in the kick back. More common on bikes with just a capacitor only as they are notorious for losing charge quickly.

[CAW74]

Hi Gents,
Thank you for your replies.
I'm already spending more than planned on this bike (no doubt you can relate)which is why I was thinking of going for a 6v option and replacing minimal other ignition parts.
At the same time, I want it as reliable as It can be and accept these bikes will cost money to upkeep.
What if any are the major advantages of changing to a 12v system?
Would it be "highly recommended" to do so or is it really a matter of opinion?

Thanks..

[berniej]

I switch my alternator bikes to 12V -ve earth during restoratoin as a matter of course now.
For me the factors influencing this were:

• Alternator wiring easily modified to produce 12V (recommend the Rupert Ratio book which provides details and diagrams)
• Combined, 12V solid state rectifier/regulators are readily available, unbranded cheap on eBay, Lucas branded around £40 I think
• 12V LED replacement bulbs use a fraction of the energy compared with filament and are much more common (and cheaper) as 12V -ve earth
• Better support for accessories (I have a USB charger for example)
• Wider choice of electronic ignition kits

Cheers,
Bernie

[DAVE BRADY]

Definitely worth doing. As stated above there are many accessories that can be used with 12v.  If you go camping you can power an electric airbed pump, much more compact, lighter and quicker than a foot pump.  In the case of a puncture having a 'fit in your hand' compact electric pump is a great benefit. Again more compact and lighter than a foot pump.  Also, I would say there is a wider choice and availability of batteries including the latest tech.
Along with maintenance free ignition you will have a more reliable and practical bike but if your battery does go flat you can get a boost from just about any other bike and car.

Dave.

[CAW74]

Thank you all for some sound advice!