I’ve played with a few different systems:
Tri-Spark Classic Twin
Power Arc
Boyer MKIII
Sparx
Electrex World CDI ignition
Lucas RITA
BT-H modern magneto (it’s actually a CDI ignition)
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I really like the Tri-Spark - fitted several, and not had an issue which is why I keep going back for more.
I often read of failures, and wonder why the Tri-Spark product comes up often - is it because they are prone to failure or because there are so many out there now we hear about them more?
Either way, they revised the product a few years back and made some subtle circuitry changes, they are approachable and communicative as a company and their product warranty is good.
Asi said the other day, I like where Tri-Soark are at as a company - with their MOSFET reg/rec, their oil filled coils plus the features of their new hits, it shows they understand the market they are in, and listen to feedback from their customers.
Of course, people only complain when something has broken - they won’t create a post to talk about how brilliant their Tri-Spark is!
I like the idle stabilisation and improved curve for aiding cold starts.
I don’t like the fact that everything is inside the points cover - the ‘shake and bake’ ethos seems flawed.
I plan to try the new Fire Box Pro which has the separate ‘brain box’
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I like the Power Arc because it’s optical, and is very very precise to setup.
The wires are really long, and you can plug it in to the PC and dabble with the curves (plus it will hold multiple curves that you can switch between)
I don’t like the fact that everything is in a single unit inside the points cover - it feels vulnerable.
I also don’t like the weird starting procedure that you are supposed to adhere to (but no one, including me does)
Everyone moans about their Boyer failures - but that’s often after they’ve been on a bike for 35 years.
They need a strong 12 volts, and kick back like a ba$tard if they get anything less - an issue that has been totally addressed with the new Boyer MKIV which operates down to 8 volts.
The only thing to watch is the solder wires at the stator becoming brittle and snapping off at the soldered joints. You can overcome this by using a tywrap for strain relief.
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Electrex World is just wrong - nothing about it is good.
I fitted it to a Dommie, but it’s the same STK-102D-DC kit for the Commando.
The alternator output is very low, they are difficult to setup, the quality of components is poor, and their support is disgusting - check out their Facebook community page for feedback from customers.
I have not fitted a RITA, but have repaired one.
They are superb, but are not produced anymore, so anything you buy would be second hand, introducing an unknown to the mix.
I would stay clear for this reason, but would strive to keep it if you had one already.
They have become a bit of a cult item to have on a bike, I for one like to see the oversized points cover on a bike, knowing that someone is running a RITA on their pride and joy.
Two worth considering that I have no personal experience with are Pazon and Vape:
Pazon was founded by a guy that used to work alongside Ernie Bransden and when he left and setup Oazon, he address every single shortfall in the Boyer.
Their warranty is superb, and their customers always seem happy with the product.
Vape is pretty new, but they have been OEM’d by Wassell. The units look excellent, and people are talking very highly of them. So worth consideration.
