Tri-Spark EI and coil testing

Problem solved! Evidently, the Tri-Spark failed. A big thank you to Matt Rambow who sent me a Tri-Spark EI unit off of one of his running bikes. After installing his known to work unit, I fired my Norton up and listened to that sweet sound, with no spitting or back firing! Also, thank you to Stephen Kelly for offering to test my old unit and sell me a new one at a discount. Thank you to Greg Marsh for giving me lots of suggestions.
 
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I see it differently (and installed a Trispark earlier this year and note it has performed well and very much improved engine idle)

I am grateful that we can get parts for our bikes and keep them running for decades more. Yes, once in a while, I run across parts that do not measure up due to deficient design or quality problems. But when this happens, I think that I cannot expect perfection and as long as the vendor works hard to remedy the problem, I am happy.

Dennis
 
I wonder how many other EIs have failed after 10 years (Note post #1 here). So far, I've never replaced a Tri-Spark single/twin, but have replaced five failed EIs from others. The only two Tri-Spark Tri-0005B returned to me are running in bikes today. I've never had a Tri-0005A or Tri-0006 returned. I've sold/used 168 of the single/twin and many Tri-0002 for triples.
 
10 years, 20 years .. doesn't mean much.
If you only use your bike to potter around the block a few times a year, and let your friends admire how well it idles, then yes, a trispark is nice thing to have.
It is only when you travel, and do longer distances that the question of reliability becomes important.
You do not want to break down in the middle of the Arlberg tunnel.
Greg: when was the last time you rode a Norton more than a 1000 km away from home? (if ever..)
 
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Ashman’s Joe Hunt magneto is starting to come into sharper focus, although it doesn’t have an advance curve.
 
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ludwig said:
10 years, 20 years .. doesn't mean much.
If you only use your bike to potter around the block a few times a year, and let your friends admire how well it idles, then yes, a trispark is nice thing to have.
It is only when you travel, and do longer distances that the question of reliability becomes important.
You do not want to break down in the middle of the Arlberg tunnel.
Greg: when was the last time you rode a Norton more than a 1000 km away from home? (if ever..)
Click to expand...
What ignition system do you know of that never fails? Boyer does. Pazon does. Points do. Magnetos do. Coils do. Wiring does.

Before I came a medical disaster: many times. I did limit myself to about 400 miles/day as I was first diagnosed with arthritis in my hips at age 12. I have never ridden a Norton that far - all Triumphs which are harder on you than a Norton due to vibration.
 
To carry a spare module is always a good idea. I have found this to be true since Pontiac started coming out with Transistorized Ignitions in the early 60s, which moved on to Corvettes. I had one fail, luckily it was in my driveway. When GM came out with HEI in the mid 70s, their internal module was also problematic. I looked into converting my 60s cars with Pertronix, but after reading the reviews, decided to leave the points alone. Tri-Spark is supposed to be the best, so I will just take this failure in stride.
 
I put in the Tri Spark as my Boyer failed.
I put a Pertronix in my British Classic car years ago and it has not failed.

The environment for our bike electronic ignitions is harsh. Heat and vibration.

I suspect that there are components that both Boyer and Tri Spark could put in
their electronic ignitions that are specd for the heat and vibration, but the cost would be
stratospheric and no one would buy at the elevated prices.

Dennis
 
Surely they see serious vibration. The isolastics isolate us from the full effect, but it's there in the motor.
 
About the only person on the planet putting any Commando to the test in general would be the Kiwi guy riding around the world for the last few years (or more) in near every condition possible.

I did buy a Tri Spark ignition (for a billet Sunbeam S7D distributor) and had thought about using it on a Norton (being compatible) but have to wonder why their later digital ignition (Moto Guzzi in this case) got a control unit that was not integral and could be mounted somewhere a little more friendly.
What actually fails., the pickup or the controller.
It might be added, with classic motorcycles there is more to it than just adding a new ignition to 50 year old wiring looms, associated electrics and joints.
It has to be a complete package, checked or otherwise (new loom etc)

Tri-Spark EI and coil testing
 
Trispark is a wear item/consumable in my opinion. I’ve been through a few of them over the years. They are sensitive. I had one fail as a result of a minor short in the executional system. It caused a backfire even after the short was fixed. Replace with a known working one and report back.
 
"About the only person on the planet putting any Commando to the test in general would be the Kiwi guy riding around the world for the last few years (or more) in near every condition possible."

As far as you know.
 
ludwig said:
Still waiting to hear from someone who did 20- 30 000 km on a Trispark.
Click to expand...
Yes, No problem, even with 39 C of heat and a long uphill incline form Passau into Austria - no issues. I suspect some down under have done many miles on them on even hotter days.
 

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