Ignition ?
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 151
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Ignition ?
I have a 98 Superglide and I am looking at upgrading my ignition. I am confused on which way to go, hoping someone here will help point me in the right direction. I am leaning toward a Crane system, but I need to know which is better, replacing the module (HI-4E), replacing the pickup in the nose cone (HI-4) or both? Both don't make any sense as they both do the same thing, right? Coil will be changed regardless of which route. Any help is apprecitated.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,441
Likes: 2,637
From: NC USA
Well, I run a stock ignition, have 97,000 on my bike. Never had any trouble whatsoever! Plugs last 25,000 miles and it never fails to start.
Aftermarket ignitions are cool to talk about but I sincerely doubt they help unless you drag race and want to advance the rear cylinder separately... but even racers will tell you that's a tricky deal.
In my short time on this forum, I've read many posts about ignition problems and they have one (well 2) things in common. First, 90% are aftermarket and second, most were Crane and had problems after experiencing a voltage spike from a faulty regulator. Granted, your bike has the 32 amp ssytem which is much less prone to failure than the 22 amp systems do. Point being, if you ever DO have a charging problem, there's a real good chance you'll soon have igniton problems too. HD stock modules will operate from 10.6 volts up to 16 volts and there's no other system that can claim that.
So, just my opinion, but don't waste your money. Use it to buy fuel and ride!
Aftermarket ignitions are cool to talk about but I sincerely doubt they help unless you drag race and want to advance the rear cylinder separately... but even racers will tell you that's a tricky deal.
In my short time on this forum, I've read many posts about ignition problems and they have one (well 2) things in common. First, 90% are aftermarket and second, most were Crane and had problems after experiencing a voltage spike from a faulty regulator. Granted, your bike has the 32 amp ssytem which is much less prone to failure than the 22 amp systems do. Point being, if you ever DO have a charging problem, there's a real good chance you'll soon have igniton problems too. HD stock modules will operate from 10.6 volts up to 16 volts and there's no other system that can claim that.
So, just my opinion, but don't waste your money. Use it to buy fuel and ride!
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: Mid- SC
Go with the Crane HI-4. Got them on all three of my bikes. Softail has over 61,000 miles on the ignition & no trouble. The coil has a hotter spark & single fire keeps the motor a little cooler. You can dial in the spark advance with out using the race mode or rear cylinder offset dial & it's steeper than stock. The multi-spark dial helps prevent low speed or low RPM misses & with gas getting all sorts of additives that can be useful. I'd use the external modual & not go into the cone. I did put a cone unit in my garage built rigid but you have to retime the motor.
Scruffie
Scruffie
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,569
Likes: 12
From: Arizona
even my local shop told me to just leave mine stock. i have a cam and S&S super, along with pipes and he said i more than likely wouldnt notice a difference. it wouldnt be worth the money. but if your set on it then you wont be happy unless you do it and see.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 47
From: New Hartford CT
I have a Spyke ignition and coil in my 89 Ultra that replaced the entire stock ignition, including the cone. I had it installed last year, and that was the only change made to the bike at that time. There was a noticeable difference from stock -- slightly smoother, giving the impression of a little more power. I don't think there was any real power increase; it just felt that way as it was smoother throughout the rpm range. And no more rev limiter.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,202
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From: NW AR
A lot of people seem to like those Crane units, and it would seem that most have good luck with them, but as t150vej sez, I too have noticed that 90% of the time someone has a no-spark issue, they have one of those Cranes. I run a stock ignition system on the Sportster and a Screaming Eagle on my bike. The Screaming Eagle is identical to the stock unit, but has no rev limiter and a better advance curve. I've had it on there for about 20 years.
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