Topic: DynaS Pros and Cons

[Powderman]

When I started this build I just assumed that going with a more modern electronic ignition would be the way to go over the antiquated points system. I have since seen some builders that have had issues with this unit. Did I waste $140 that could have been utilized elsewhere?

[bollingball]

Time will tell. I don't have any problems with points that is what I grew up working with. For these engines in stock form there is just no reason to change IMO. I actually like to tinker on and give the bike a little TLC every 3k. If someone doesn't want or like to do this maybe they should get a newer bike. To each their own. The main problem I hear about points is wear and adjustment so I guess it is a real pain in the ass to spend 15 minutes two times a year maybe three times.
Ken

[dave500]

when you install an electronic be sure of your wiring,make sure any earths are perfectly clean and tight,all connections must be clean and tight and correct,if you switch it on even for a nano second wired incorrectly youll most likely ruin it.

[Bailgang]

And toss any quick splice connections that may come with the kit where you tie red power wires into the harness. Instead take your time and solder. As far as whether you wasted your $ only time will tell, I bought mine used 4 years ago and it was already 1 year old by the time I got it from someone parting out a 550. I thought mine was failing last week but it turned out to be a broken wire. All in all so far so good with mine but it is obvious dynas have been having quality issues.

Oh and 1 more thing don't toss the points cam on the spark advancer when you convert it for use with the dyna, it may come in handy if it does fail and you need to switch back to points. I had tossed mine and had to tear the garage up finding another when I thought my dyna was failing.

[seanbarney41]

the dyna s actually offers no performance advantage over the points.  Even though your bike may start and idle better, the way the dyna works, spark will have less dwell time at high rpm compared to points...so even though the spark is "hotter" you will make less power.  Search for posts by Hondaman and Two Tired for a better explanation of this phenomena.

[Xnavylfr]

Dyna has had a BAD RAP lately with a run of bad systems but they have since changed the pickup modules to a smaller style.. I read a post on here of someone with a DYNA system that has had the same one for 30 years. As with EVERYTHING ,with age things start to fail( just ask ME I'm 62)
DYNA is a good change but I would ALWAYS carry the points plate and points cam.
Sometimes you'll get a little indication of imminent failure but most times it will fail when you are in the middle of BFE and 100 miles to the nearest town.

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[Retro Rocket]

the dyna s actually offers no performance advantage over the points.  Even though your bike may start and idle better, the way the dyna works, spark will have less dwell time at high rpm compared to points...so even though the spark is "hotter" you will make less power.  Search for posts by Hondaman and Two Tired for a better explanation of this phenomena.

Sorry Sean but regardless of what TT and Hondaman say{no disrespect} , there are a hell of a lot of racers using these systems and have for well over 30 years, I would say that if they made the bike make less power this wouldn't be the case....

As pointed out, the new dyna's are different to the ones that were problematic....

[Powderman]

Is there a date code on the units. Since mine is new and still in the box I assume it is the latest version

[Xnavylfr]

I don't know so much about a MFG code, but the problem ones had larger pickup modules that were larger like  this example!
http://www.dynaonline.com/skins/products/sportbikes/dyna_s/
The new modules look more like the following; much smaller!



http://www.dynaonline.com/skins/products
/sportbikes/dyna_2000_crank_trigger/

http://www.dynaonline.com/skins/warranty/

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[bwaller]

Powderman hopefully you'll never need warranty work and it won't matter. However I bought a couple Dyna 2K units and one stayed on the shelf a while until the bike was ready. It had issues and needed to be returned. There is a manufacturing date. Don't keep it on the shelf too long in case!

[Powderman]

Mine has the smaller pick ups and came with a note saying the later CB400's came with a larger shaft on the advancer and the unit came with the smaller rotor that will have to be sent to them for replacement with the larger one.
What if you  buy the unit from someone like 400four store and it sat on their shelf for most of the year?

[BobbyR]

My first cars had points and I have the tools and knowledge. I installed a Dyna it was fine for a few years and crapped out. I installed a PAMCO a couple of years ago. Runs fine. I would rather ride than lay on the floor with a feeler gauge and timing light. It does start faster with a working Dyna and PAMCO. As far as having more power I am not sure. I did not lose any, so I am good.

[seanbarney41]

the dyna s actually offers no performance advantage over the points.  Even though your bike may start and idle better, the way the dyna works, spark will have less dwell time at high rpm compared to points...so even though the spark is "hotter" you will make less power.  Search for posts by Hondaman and Two Tired for a better explanation of this phenomena.

Sorry Sean but regardless of what TT and Hondaman say{no disrespect} , there are a hell of a lot of racers using these systems and have for well over 30 years, I would say that if they made the bike make less power this wouldn't be the case....

your certainly right about that Retro and would whole heartedly agree with you concerning any other machine but the sohc4.  I have used both on these and have noticed electronic ignitions having very slightly less rpm capacity.  With properly set up points, the motor seems to keep making power right up to and well beyond red line.  The Dyna S seems to slightly enhance low rpm torque(not a bad thing at all with these motors)  but can't quite keep up when revved to the moon.   ...just my opinion and I of course have no dyno tests.  Maybe my butt dyno needs re-calibration.

[Gordon]

My first cars had points and I have the tools and knowledge. I installed a Dyna it was fine for a few years and crapped out. I installed a PAMCO a couple of years ago. Runs fine. I would rather ride than lay on the floor with a feeler gauge and timing light. It does start faster with a working Dyna and PAMCO. As far as having more power I am not sure. I did not lose any, so I am good.

Pretty much sums up how I feel about the two Dyna-S units I have on my bikes.  One for over 10 years and one for 4 years.  I had more than my fill of messing with points on my old VW bus and multiple other motorcycles I've owned.  I get no enjoyment or satisfaction from adjusting points like I do from every other aspect of maintaining old motorcycles, and I don't feel the least bit of guilt about not being a "real classic bike owner" because of it. 

I do get a little chuckle, every time this type of discussion comes up, from the thinly-veiled insults saying that if you can't handle adjusting points then perhaps owning an old motorcycle isn't for you.  I guess I should just turn in my patch because I obviously can't hang with the cool crowd.

[Duke McDukiedook]

My Dyna S has worked just ducky on my K3 for the past 6 years.
No complaints here so far.

[Xnavylfr]

You have to consider this , with the points system,since they open and close on a spring, in the HIGH RPM range you COULD get a float just like you can on the valves. due to the RPMs the points would never completely close to cause the spark. This is why some people DOUBLE spring the points!!


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[ofreen]

I do get a little chuckle, every time this type of discussion comes up, from the thinly-veiled insults saying that if you can't handle adjusting points then perhaps owning an old motorcycle isn't for you.

Same here. I wonder what they are doing with a newfangled Japanese motorcycle. Wouldn't they be a lot happier with a Rudge?

[Xnavylfr]

OR a BROUGH=   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brough_Motorcycles



Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[Powderman]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'll go ahead and install mine when the time comes.