Topic: Cycle X ignition vs. Dynatek

[goaarongo]

Hi SOHCHeads -
I have been eyeballing the optical ignition system that Ken and the guys at Cycle X are selling.  I have worked with them before and they are super cool - I have always been more than satisfied with service and products.  Just wondering if anyone had great success with their ignition setup... http://www.cyclexchange.net/IGNITIONS%20HONDA.htm. 

It's kind of a big ticket item for me, and I have had good experiences with Dyna ignitions in the past.  Anybody willing to share their insight?   

[beelsamin]

$350 !!! Seem's like a pretty expensive unit, almost 3 times a Dyna..

[goaarongo]

Three times as expensive?  Keep in mind that this kit includes the coils and wires, etc...  Basically a complete ignition system.
I think the comparable Dyna product is actually more expensive.
http://www.dynaonline.com/skins/products/sportbikes/dyna_2000/

[swellguy]

I think when you price out a Cycle X system with a comparable Dyna system (module+coils-plugwires+caps) they both come out to about $320.
My experience with Dyna electronic ignition has been one of nightmares (when working on Harleys) I've had modules fail and one even melted sending smelly white smoke out from behind the points cover. Melted or fried coils were the norm. I wound up taking three HDs back to points and never been happier.
That said, I've got my first sohc project (73 cb750) and the first thing I've looked at doing is upgrading to electronic ignition. I was leaning very heavily toward the Cycle X system. I've dealt with and purchased form him several times so when I asked a simple question about which system (A or B) to get I still got one of his auto-reply "Hi Ken's busy and hates typing so call us on your nickel". Could have taken all of 30 secs to answer so I said screw it and bought a complete Dyna from a dealer who does answer emails.

[goaarongo]

Smelly white smoke?  That alone may be enough to convince me to stay away from dyna. 

I recently had some email correspondence with Cycle X to ask about an out of stock product... They responded the next day with the info I needed, so all's good there as far as I'm concerned.  But I was hoping to hear some reviews on the optical ignition system from someone who has been using one for a while before I pull the trigger.   $350 is a lot of scratch - wanna make sure I am getting the best bang for my buck.   

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Best bang for my buck is the original points system with the HondaMan Ignition Module.  As for optical, I can always take the points cover off and look at 'em! 

[dusterdude]

i have a sportster that has a dyna 2000 module on it and its been on there for at least 5 years,so i cant complain.im gonna knock on wood now.

[MJL]

I may have been the first to install and run the optical ignition, I don't know that for a fact though. I did have an issue, but that was due to the way I mounted the coils. I've got them mounted a little differently now, and no problems so far. It seems to start easier than it did when it had points, and idles smoother and a lower rpm than the points did.

Now, I also installed a cam and exhaust at the same time, so that may have something to do with the starting and idling.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=57273.0

[KB02]

on my first SOHC, I got the full Dyna system when a stock coil failed on me. I found that setting the static timing was a bit of a pain, but once it was set, it was done.

On my current project, I went with the Cycle-X kit. I am still working on getting the bike running right. It's either timing or carbs or both. Setting the timing on the Cycle-X ignition is fairly simple once you have the bike at TDC. I've got to dive into my carbs before I really blame either element (or my own dumb self) on the bad running.

Overall, I like the system. It just makes you get creative to mount it.

[dhonda]

I don't know much about Cycle-X, so I can't really accurately compare the two. But I have nothing but good things to say about my Dyna 2000 and coils.  The system was super easy to install and the engine fired right up on the first try.  I've been riding for 4k+ miles now with no issues.  Also, I know that there is a programming kit available for the Dyna that allows you to set your own ignition advance curves (if you're into that kind of thing).

[bucky katt]

Best bang for my buck is the original points system with the HondaMan Ignition Module.  As for optical, I can always take the points cover off and look at 'em! 

+1,000,000 on that hondaman ignition with the original coils. i get a better fuel burn and crisper throttle response than with the 3ohm dynas and the dyna s trigger

[goaarongo]

Thanks for all the info - starting to lean towards Cycle X.  The cam/exhaust/ignition combo deal is looking pretty appealing.   

MJL - that is EXACTLY the thread I wanted to read.  I am assembling this bike from a frame and a couple random motors I have.  It's a great way to waste time and money, but I don't get any before and after comparison on the performance pieces I include.  Thanks for sharing your work.         

[Silverback]

Remember with the power arc system that there are different timing curves that are designed to be controlled by a VOES (Vacuum operated electrical switch). As you accelerate the advance changes. I have been running without the VOES, but I have a switch for flipping between the timing curves. I think some research would need to be done to get the correct VOES. Maybe we should ask Ken!? I have also asked Ken about the rev limiter, which he said is set at 10500, however, the documentation he sent on the advance curves state a 8500 limit (Simply some screen printouts of the settings while running the programming software). Since I don't currently have a tach that works for anything other than showing idle speed, I haven't verified this yet. So, if you are building a motor that you want to take to 11000 RPMs, I think the 8500 limit would be disappointing, if in fact it is 8500.

Overall, I am very happy with it, but I think it could be better with the proper installation. You should see the triple spark it puts out when you turn the motor over. Very impressive! The motor I am running now has a cylinder that's worn to the point of needing a re-bore, but this ignition seems to fire it OK.

[bubbafun101]

I had the same problem. Money for yesterdays technology with Dyna 3 ohm coils and trigger, and Cycle X little beauty with the optical trigger. I ended up with  Dyna 5 0hm coils, Dyna wires set and Hondamans ignition module. No problems on install, runs great, and all the research is done by a man in the know. Plus the added bonus that if the ignition module fails, I just reconnect the factory set up. Easy peasy japanesy!!

[Gregorymoto]

FYI. I have a Honda man Ig if someone is looking for one. I stuck with the Dyna and never installed it.

[Markcb750]

Have not had time to hang out here for a while,  but nice to see the ignition debate still rages.

my experience:

Dyna is OK, easy to install & time, but they do fail, and their service sucks.

Points are fine, need a Little TLC every few 1000 miles.  Even cheap points will work if understanding, & patience is brought to bare on setting gap & timing.


Oh and did I mention Dana Service sucks?

[gto_ron]

I have the Cycle-x optical ignition ($349) and I'm pleased with it.  It was easy to install and my bike( CB750K) starts and runs great.  OK, it was kinda pricey but well worth it; it comes with the optical pickup, coils, spark plug wires and plugs, it's a complete kit.  I looked at all the competing ignitions and I liked this one best.  The coil pack is a tight fit but will fit.  It also comes programmed with three selectable advance curves.

I'm not knocking any of the other aftermarket ignition products, I'm just responding to the original thread question.

regards

Ron