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Old Oct 18, 2020 | 07:34 AM
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Default Ignition module ?

My (new to me) 1981 FXB does not have the ignition module at the standard location, it also does not have the typical shovel lope... what aftermarket moduels were typical back then and where could it be ? Might the ignition be retarded and this is why it does not have the lope ?
PS it was still warming up, typical idle rpm is 800.

https://youtu.be/8chGeu_30Po
 
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Old Oct 18, 2020 | 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Bmp72
My (new to me) 1981 FXB does not have the ignition module at the standard location, it also does not have the typical shovel lope... what aftermarket moduels were typical back then and where could it be ? Might the ignition be retarded and this is why it does not have the lope ?
PS it was still warming up, typical idle rpm is 800.

https://youtu.be/8chGeu_30Po
Probably Not O.E. ... Pictures??
the Lope, is a Function of Ignition ...and Most Folks idle Much to low...and Therefore Destroy their Bottom End in the name of Cool
 
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Old Oct 18, 2020 | 09:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Racepres
Probably Not O.E. ... Pictures??
the Lope, is a Function of Ignition ...and Most Folks idle Much to low...and Therefore Destroy their Bottom End in the name of Cool
The idle is 800 rpm when warm, in accordance with the shop manual.

so module #2 is missing from my 1981 bike, while on my 1982 it is there. Combined with the the 1981 not having the typical shovel lope, i wonder what ignition module i have and where it is located ? What was a typical aftermarket ignition back then ?
 
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Old Oct 18, 2020 | 09:41 AM
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I would say probably totally inside the cone. I would also guess it is in dual fire mode as the single fire mode seems to sound almost like points in my opinion / experience. Take your point cover off and take a look. There are many makers of those units.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2020 | 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Bmp72
The idle is 800 rpm when warm, in accordance with the shop manual.

so module #2 is missing from my 1981 bike, while on my 1982 it is there. Combined with the the 1981 not having the typical shovel lope, i wonder what ignition module i have and where it is located ? What was a typical aftermarket ignition back then ?
I don't idle that low... Not a Clymer manual is it??? You could spend all afternoon Convincing yourself Not to idle that low thru research..
Pop the cover off the cone and lets look at the ignition!!!!

BTW "Back Then" has Nothing to do with a bike you Just Obtained!!!!
 
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Old Oct 18, 2020 | 11:48 AM
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Well, the 'back then' comes kind of from the bikes history. The guy I bought it from was 81 years old and was the second owner. The tires (before the new ones were put on) were from 1997, and the last valid registration from the mid 80-ies (but it was ridden on a dealer plate occassionally, I was told). So I guess nothing was put on after the mid 90-ies. While sitting it was started regularly, and the previous owner put $3000 in it before selling it (carb rebuild, brakes rebuild etc etc)

The picture is from the official HD service manial for the FL/FX bikes , which mentions a 800 to 900 idle... but I mean it omly idles when I am waiting for a traffic light.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2020 | 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Bmp72
Well, the 'back then' comes kind of from the bikes history. The guy I bought it from was 81 years old and was the second owner. The tires (before the new ones were put on) were from 1997, and the last valid registration from the mid 80-ies (but it was ridden on a dealer plate occassionally, I was told). So I guess nothing was put on after the mid 90-ies. While sitting it was started regularly, and the previous owner put $3000 in it before selling it (carb rebuild, brakes rebuild etc etc)

The picture is from the official HD service manial for the FL/FX bikes , which mentions a 800 to 900 idle... but I mean it omly idles when I am waiting for a traffic light.
I see No Mention of 800 rpm anywhere in my Service manual(s) All Indicate 900 RPM, and Yes it makes a Difference.. not only in "sound" but Lubrication, and Manners.. like ease of Starting, and Acceleration.. I personally prefer 900 to 1000 but... whatever.
I generally buy The Bike... Never the Story
now... What is behind the cone cover?????
 
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Old Oct 18, 2020 | 12:09 PM
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Its evening here in Europe, will look tomorrow... but am getting curious too. I think the bike has only one coil like the original setup, so I dont think it fires each cilinder individually. But from the way it runs...

Here it mentions the idle

This is the book i have
 
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Old Oct 18, 2020 | 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Bmp72
Its evening here in Europe, will look tomorrow... but am getting curious too. I think the bike has only one coil like the original setup, so I dont think it fires each cilinder individually. But from the way it runs...

Here it mentions the idle

This is the book i have
Oddly I have that same book...No 800 in it, maybe different print Dates?? ... IDC tho.. I know what is going on Inside... I'll do it My way, based on My Experience...you do it Yours..
 
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Old Oct 18, 2020 | 04:25 PM
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I have that book dated 4/88 and it says 900-950 RPM, page 4-8 Who would have thought?
 
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