Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

ignition module options 1986 XL

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 10, 2023 | 11:07 AM
  #1  
Garageking's Avatar
Garageking
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 516
Likes: 119
From: Athens Ohio
Default ignition module options 1986 XL

I did a thread on diagnosing my no spark after a long storage, 1986 XL883 (built up to 1200)
First year EVO with VOES (no mechanical advance)
Chasing the last spark I saw I worked through all the diagnosis from battery, wiring, grounds...etc everything.
I did find a failing Cam sensor, but after verifying module 12v to coil, power to sensor, and signal voltage from sensor still no spark.
Finally landed on the test to manually trigger the module and it failed several attempts.
This bike is built and chopped, so I don't need maximum hot-rod tuning, just spark. ha.

Now I am looking for options.
I have a buddy who has one or two SE modules for his old 5 speed sporty (92 maybe), not sure if those would work or could be wired in.
Anyone know how interchangeable the stock or SE external modules are?

There is precious little space to mount stuff on this Paughco frame so a cone ignition is attractive.
I know the cone modules like the TwinTec 1005 would work (i think it does NOT require mechanical advance?), Pricey
I looked at the Compufire unit, seem reputable enough and less $$$, but like the TwinTec VTi it requires a mechanical advance conversion.
and I have read a lot about avoiding the Ultima
Thought I would ask for advice while I clean up the shop and research more
Thanks to all
 
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2023 | 12:06 PM
  #2  
OCSpringer's Avatar
OCSpringer
HDF Community Team
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 1,949
From: Santa Ana, CA
Community Team
Default

I would go with the Dynatek 2000i. I replaced my compufire ignition (failed but had been on the bike a long time) with a Dynatek S but recently went back to the voes and a Dynatek 2000i. Great module. Super easy to install and setup. Of the 3 I have had on the bike the 2000i is hands down the best. I could never tune out the pinging with the Compufire or Dynatek S. With the 2000i I can set it so there is no pinging during a quick transition from mid throttle to WOT.
 

Last edited by OCSpringer; Mar 10, 2023 at 12:09 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2023 | 12:12 PM
  #3  
Garageking's Avatar
Garageking
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 516
Likes: 119
From: Athens Ohio
Default

BTW the last test on the module was at the sensor connector. Repeatedly shorting green and black wires to trigger a spark. I varied the frequency of shorts using jumper, but no spark.
I see a lot of Dyna 2000i cheap, but they are single fire. The Compu Fire Elite 1 works with VOES but costs at least 200 bucks.
Unbranded units that claim to be 2ki are abundant, but don't inspire confidence
 
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2023 | 12:19 PM
  #4  
Garageking's Avatar
Garageking
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 516
Likes: 119
From: Athens Ohio
Default

stumbled on some answers finally in forum search, Stock modules 32410 with any suffix will work if wired to correct connectors.
SE modules dont seem to apply to pre-1988
Took me a lot of searches, maybe losing my interweb abilities...

So I reckon it comes down to recommendations.
 
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2023 | 12:20 PM
  #5  
lightweight bob's Avatar
lightweight bob
Road Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 157
From: Banning, CA
Default Dynatek

Originally Posted by OCSpringer
I would go with the Dynatek 2000i. I replaced my compufire ignition (failed but had been on the bike a long time) with a Dynatek S but recently went back to the voes and a Dynatek 2000i. Great module. Super easy to install and setup. Of the 3 I have had on the bike the 2000i is hands down the best. I could never tune out the pinging with the Compufire or Dynatek S. With the 2000i I can set it so there is no pinging during a quick transition from mid throttle to WOT.
Back in the day when things were a lot simpler Dynatek made some great products. I'd go with this recommendation.
 
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2023 | 12:24 PM
  #6  
OCSpringer's Avatar
OCSpringer
HDF Community Team
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 1,949
From: Santa Ana, CA
Community Team
Default

Originally Posted by Garageking
BTW the last test on the module was at the sensor connector. Repeatedly shorting green and black wires to trigger a spark. I varied the frequency of shorts using jumper, but no spark.
I see a lot of Dyna 2000i cheap, but they are single fire. The Compu Fire Elite 1 works with VOES but costs at least 200 bucks.
Unbranded units that claim to be 2ki are abundant, but don't inspire confidence
Make sure it is Dynatek. The cheaper "Dyna" ones I think are the Ultima knock off. Too bad I just sold an extra Dynatek 2000i I had for $100. The 2000i has both dual and single fire modes.
 
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2023 | 12:37 PM
  #7  
Garageking's Avatar
Garageking
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 516
Likes: 119
From: Athens Ohio
Default

All the ones i see for around $230 just say dyna on them
 
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2023 | 01:02 PM
  #8  
OCSpringer's Avatar
OCSpringer
HDF Community Team
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 1,949
From: Santa Ana, CA
Community Team
Default

$230 seems right. If it says Dyna on the unit it is correct. You just have to look because they refer to the Ultima units as "Dyna" like so

https://americanclassicmotors.com/products/141637555572

I am sure they do this to confuse people into buying their version. The Dynatek ignition moduke is Blue and says Dyna on it.
 

Last edited by OCSpringer; Mar 10, 2023 at 01:05 PM.
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 18, 2023 | 12:13 PM
  #9  
Garageking's Avatar
Garageking
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 516
Likes: 119
From: Athens Ohio
Default

I got a good enuff deal on the Ultima branded unit and was surprised how easy it installed, timed in exactly where my cam sensor did, and fired up instantly (after the dead revs)... Chopper Lives. Just ran it once down the road and getting set to change all the fluids.
I will revive this thread in a while after putting some miles on it.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dizzyboat1
Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection
0
Jun 26, 2015 12:25 PM
bigben46
Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection
1
Jun 15, 2015 11:06 PM
Felix the cat
Sportster Models
1
Oct 10, 2013 11:41 PM
kpolak
General Harley Davidson Chat
2
Nov 24, 2010 08:51 AM
kathygill12
Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection
1
Jul 20, 2010 11:08 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:07 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE