Topic: Switching back to points???

[BallAquatics]

With all the talk about the short comings of the electronic ignition systems out there, I've been thinking of switching my '74 550 back to stock points.

The local Honda dealer installed the Dyna ignition on my bike some 30 odd years ago.  The points plate is not hard to come by, but where does one find a points cam?

Dennis

[scottly]

The older Dyna's were not prone to failure like the ones made 10 years ago. Is your 30 year old model a Dyna III?

[BallAquatics]

The older Dyna's were not prone to failure like the ones made 10 years ago. Is your 30 year old model a Dyna III?

I'll have to pull the cover and see if it has a  model number on the unit.

I've never had any problems with it, but I'd like to do some traveling with this bike and after reading some of the posts here I started worrying about reliability.

Dennis

[scottly]

IIRC, the Dyna III had a remotely mounted box, while the Dyna S had all the electronics mounted under the points cover. Which ever model you have, it was made many years before the notorious Dyna plague started to manifest itself in intermittent ignition problems.    

[Jimray23]

I've been running a dyna-s for a little over 5 years without any problems, but i may be one lucky  sob lol

--------------------------------------------------
Jim
1979 kz1000b ltd
    stage 3 cams
    pod air filters
    4-1 open exhaust(no muffler)
    full rewire
    dyna-s ignition
    dyna 3 ohm coils

[BallAquatics]

Opened it up and it's a Dyna S.....



At any rate, I see points plates available everywhere.  Where should I look to find the cam for the points?

Dennis

[Deltarider]

At any rate, I see points plates available everywhere.  Where should I look to find the cam for the points?

Now that you also need an advancer (which is the cam btw) I wouldn't return to points myself. For reasons of cost I'd stay electronic.

[MRieck]

I heard all the Japanese car manufactures are switching back to point ignitions.

[TwoTired]

I used "cb 550 spark advancer" in eBay search engine, and found some for sale.  This will have the cam part you are seeking.  One was listed at $24.

If there are motorcycle bone yards in your area, that might be another part source.

Cheers,

[madmtnmotors]

Replacing a part that has proven itself for 30 years? For long distance hauls I throw a loaded points plate in the saddle bag (don't forget the points cam!) in case my Dyna decided to give up the ghost. Haven't needed it yet, and mine is nearly 30 years old as well.

If it ain't broke... 

[PeWe]

Is it only Dyna-S that has problems? Dyna 2000 work fine?

Car ignitions have problems too. I have an Audi so I'm aware of sudden failing coils. I got one failed so I replaced all 4. Audi wrote then a bulltine and called all cars to service for free replacement.
I had the 3 "good" coils left, mounted them and drove to the shop, 2 coils failed while driving.... I have now 3 extra.... But I paid 4..
All VAG cars have (had) those crappy coils.... VW, Audi, Seat and maybe Skoda too..... early 2000-2009.. I think they had an earlier batch too.
Upon that sudden failing sensors like a crank sensor.... If a VAG car suddenly wont start, crappy sensor intemittent failure... 75-100 USD but  it cost to get it done...
I have VCDS (VAG-Com) software + cable so I can check what failed via the diagnose connector....
Never any problem with the ignition, except for the coils.
Many diesel cars have crappy injectors.... $$$ not cheap. Other has jumping cam chain or sloppy chains $$$$$ V6 must open engine....
Just search about cars and find....

[markreimer]

Your ignition has been perfect for 30 years? Don't change a thing!!

[przjohn]

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[Johnie]

I am in the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" category. When I did my first KO restore back in 2006 I hesitated going the Dyna route after reading about the problems. Some guys lost power, installed the old points back in and everything as fine. Not saying this is the best, but I have points in all my bikes and never had an issue. Plus, I like to keep it "really" stock. So go with what your gut is telling you. I like the piece of mind I get from the system that has stood the test of time.

[BallAquatics]

If it ain't broke... 

You are probably right!!!  I have always proscribed to that way of thinking myself, but even though the unit is 30+ years old, until just recently the bike has set idle since 1988 (last time I had it licensed).

By the time I buy a points plate, points, condensers, and then a spark advancer to get the points cam, I might as well just buy another Dyna to stick in the saddle bag.

Dennis

[madmtnmotors]

If it ain't broke... 

By the time I buy a points plate, points, condensers, and then a spark advancer to get the points cam, I might as well just buy another Dyna to stick in the saddle bag.

Dennis

That's another good point. Even those that have suffered failures, I would venture that the MTBF (mean time between failure) would still average out to be longer than the average lifespan of a set of points. Figuring the cost of replacement points/condensers from Honda, the cost of a spare Dyna S is not much more, and if the Dyna S were to outlast a set of points by just 30% you're still ahead of the game. So I will happily continue to run a Dyna S, packing a points plate (or a spare Dyna S even) on longer rides, and will quickly replace any failed Dyna S with another if necessary.