Boyer to Tri Spark conversion in progress

But if it was so far off that I can't see the timing mark I wouldn't think it would even start, or would backfire like a machine gun. I can actually ride it but it's not running as smooth as it did with the RITA. I don't know if I'm just blind or my strobe isn't working right.

millerandy said:

I don't know if I'm just blind or my strobe isn't working right.

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Well, something certainly isn't right.

I can only suggest you go over the installation once again, double checking the wire connections and that the Tri-Spark rotor is positioned according to the instructions for "B" (CCW) rotation when the crank is set to 28 degrees BTDC using the correct timing mark (of the two timing marks set 180 degrees apart).

About 25 years ago, when I bought my Mk2, I installed a RITA and encountered the same problem. My timing marks do not line up at all, with almost the identical offset that your photos show.

At that time, I am pretty darned sure that I had verified that the cam timing chain was correctly positioned with the timing cover off the bike.

I had forgotten this issue until a couple of months ago, when I got the bike out of storage where it had been for the last 10 years, and began to renew it. I encountered the same thing again when I tried to set the timing and had to do it again by feel.

You should check a couple of things. First, set it up as it worked before and see if you can get it to run, even rough.

If it does, either your timing chain was installed incorrectly - which you can verify per the manual here - http://rocbo.net/technique/norton_workshop/052.html

or your something is amiss with how your rotor is keyed.

For correct timing the timing marks must be 10 rollers apart on the chain as shown in the illustration.

My experience with Tri-Spark is that it is the best thing ever on the Trident, but I am not so sure with the Norton units. I dont have one fitted to my Norton, am quite happy with my RITA, but I have two BSA B44 Victors to which I had Tri-Sparks fitted.
One of the Victors has two spark plugs and therefore twin coils so should be exactly the same as a Commando as far as my Tri-Spark is aware. This bike has gotten through about four Tri-Sparks which the manufacturer has always replaced, I had gone so far to put a traditional Zenor Diode on which I am told is quicker at dampening electrical spikes than my Podronics, I also fitted a 1 ohm resister to the feed in case the unit was getting too much power.
The last time I ran this bike the Tri-Spark ran for 3 miles before getting rather rough and failing completely by 6 miles, fitted the spare Tri-Spark I always carry which cured the problem but only for 1/2 mile when that unit failed.
I have fitted Boyer back to that bike which now runs flawlessly.

My other Victor is standard. Both the units that failed on the other Victor work fine on this Victor for some reason, but I have to say I do not like the timing curve.
If I set the timing so the bike goes fastest at high revs, the ignition is far too advanced at low revs just off tickover so I get a knocky but not pinking engine, if I retard the ignition so that its fine at the lower revs, I lose a lot of power at higher revs.

I would be interested to know how you guys find such on your Commandos.
I now have three of these units but will probably soon end up using none of them.

Peter Charlton said:

I would be interested to know how you guys find such on your Commandos.
I now have three of these units but will probably soon end up using none of them.

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I have 3 Trisparks, the oldest about 8 years. Compared to points and original old Boyer, they transform a Commando. Strong idle, easy starting and no kick back. They changed the note of the motor/s and plugs run cleaner.

I would like to know what coils and leads/plugs you are using with the Trispark. I am aware of failures when they are not correct.

Cheers

I would contact Matt at CNW for advise and perspective and if at all possible ( budget permitting) get his single coil conversion it'll compliment the tri spark and virtually make your ignition system " bullet proof" once up,running and adjusted properly you'll never ever have to even think about your ignition system again I've been running this set up on both my commandos for years and never regretted the investment,after all when you want to use the bike knowing it'll start and run proper has a tremendous value,far exceeding the initial outlay of cash,at least that's my philosophy.... At this point in my life my time on the bikes is as valuable if not more than the cost involved.... Call Matt and spend the money,one time deal you'll be very happy you did and starting over this way is very very easy plus you'll know exactly what you've got

I just put in a brand new battery and the bike fired up and ran like a champ, idles fine, no backfires or kickback (so far). So even though the TS supposedly requires less juice than the RITA, it still needs a good strong battery - at least mine does I guess.

Thanks to all who made suggestions.

Andy

ludwig said:

Nortiboy said:

..I have 3 Trisparks, the oldest about 8 years..

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how many km /miles ?

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18,128 miles on the 8 year old.

Cheers