Installing points ignition
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
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From: Connecticut
Installing points ignition
I'm changing out my electric ignition for a points ignition on my 1980 fxwg. What I'm confused about is the wiring. If I remember correctly it's a tad different than my '72 ironhead I was used to and that I no longer have. The difference being the ignition control module. Factory set up has 3 wries coming from ignition to the control module then out to the coil. My question is do I bypass the module with points set up? Any insight appreciated other than debate on points vs electric. My set up is kick only and I enjoy the simplicity of timing points over electronic. I'm using the wiring diagram 80-84 from a Clymer M420 as reference. Thanks.
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
On a 80 model you'll have to change the coil also so heads up. Electronic ignition uses a 2.8-3.0 ohm coil and points take a 5 ohm and it does make a difference. Also buy a good advance unit like All ***** or Rivera don't do the cheapy or you'll be redoing it every 6 months.
Points setup is easy , skip all the black box wiring. One wire to the coil from the switch and one from the points to the coil. You may also have a second wire on the coil for a tach if the bike had one.
Personally I'd suggest the Dyna-S or an Ultima ign. over the points or the stock setup. Been Running the dyna-s for a couple decades now in mine.
Points setup is easy , skip all the black box wiring. One wire to the coil from the switch and one from the points to the coil. You may also have a second wire on the coil for a tach if the bike had one.
Personally I'd suggest the Dyna-S or an Ultima ign. over the points or the stock setup. Been Running the dyna-s for a couple decades now in mine.
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Feb 26, 2017 at 01:30 PM.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 147
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From: Connecticut
Haha. That's how it was with my ironhead. I'm not sure it would work correctly if I did that. Currently my top and bottom wire from the coil both run to the control module.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 147
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From: Connecticut
On a 80 model you'll have to change the coil also so heads up. Electronic ignition uses a 2.8-3.0 ohm coil and points take a 5 ohm and it does make a difference.
Points setup is easy , skip all the black box wiring. One wire to the coil from the switch and one from the points to the coil. You may also have a second wire on the coil for a tach if the bike had one.
Points setup is easy , skip all the black box wiring. One wire to the coil from the switch and one from the points to the coil. You may also have a second wire on the coil for a tach if the bike had one.
So I could eliminate the control module entirely?
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,094
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Yup and see my updated first post about the advance unit , another critical must do.
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Club Member
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Kinda been down this road a time or two....
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From: UK
Why would you do this though? I also have a 1980 FXWG that I am currently rebuilding and have gone to the Ultima electronic ignition.
This period of bike is a bit strange as it has the external control module mounted on the front of the frame - later versions did away with this and all the wiring went straight to the coil as electronics got smaller and more rugged.
I have cut off the external module mount on my frame (ground smooth and the whole frame powder coated afterwards) so it looks cleaner and now the ignition runs from the nosecone directly to the coil bypassing the old module and mount which no longer exist.
I don't know why you'd choose old fashioned points over an electronic ignition system other than the retro vibe....
This period of bike is a bit strange as it has the external control module mounted on the front of the frame - later versions did away with this and all the wiring went straight to the coil as electronics got smaller and more rugged.
I have cut off the external module mount on my frame (ground smooth and the whole frame powder coated afterwards) so it looks cleaner and now the ignition runs from the nosecone directly to the coil bypassing the old module and mount which no longer exist.
I don't know why you'd choose old fashioned points over an electronic ignition system other than the retro vibe....
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