- Joined
- Jan 31, 2010
- Messages
- 3,105
We timed these bikes back in the day with no strobe at all. NOT saying a strobe isn't more accurate but we are not talking about hi tech/superPerformance engines here and the static method works fine. Most important, as has been noted, is to ensure the centrifugal advance is working properly. They had a tendency to stick and the slots in the advance plate can get grooved. Also the springs can break/weaken. So it's vital to remove/disassemble/clean the advance mechanism and make sure the weights can move freely and are properly lubricated; install some new springs as well.
As far as performance, YES, electronic ignition is maintenance-free in general but properly working OEM points/AAU provides a better advance curve for the engine than most of the available e-ignitions which don't reach full advance until 5k RPM - the advance should be all-in at 3k for best power/driveability. I removed a Boyer that was on my bike when I bought it in '06 and re-installed the OEM points/AAU/Coils and the improvement in every aspect of operation was noticeable. I had no plans to re-install an electronic ignition on the Norton until the Tri-spark showed up. I was interested in it because the advance curve essentially duplicated the OEM curve. So i installed the Trispark in '10 if I remember correctly and have been very happy with it. But I wouldn't hesitate to put the points/AAU back in if the Trispark failed.
As far as performance, YES, electronic ignition is maintenance-free in general but properly working OEM points/AAU provides a better advance curve for the engine than most of the available e-ignitions which don't reach full advance until 5k RPM - the advance should be all-in at 3k for best power/driveability. I removed a Boyer that was on my bike when I bought it in '06 and re-installed the OEM points/AAU/Coils and the improvement in every aspect of operation was noticeable. I had no plans to re-install an electronic ignition on the Norton until the Tri-spark showed up. I was interested in it because the advance curve essentially duplicated the OEM curve. So i installed the Trispark in '10 if I remember correctly and have been very happy with it. But I wouldn't hesitate to put the points/AAU back in if the Trispark failed.
