No more plug wires!!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
Its not just in a different location, its a different coil, actually two individual different coils. I didn't find any info from the manufacturer regarding the ion sense function. Do you have a source of reference for "no impact"?
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 695
Likes: 13
From: New Braunfels, TX
Ion sensing is about reading the conductivity of the plasma trail left behind after the spark event has created combustion. It can be used as an intrusive cylinder detection mechanism to determine things like misfires or knock.
The coil is just a means to the spark, the ion sensing comes in after the fact. It really doesn't matter if the spark source is different or even generated in a different fashion such as capacitive discharge vs. inductance.
EDIT: Unless of course the ion sensing circuitry is part of the factory coil, in which throwing that away will certainly have an impact. I'm not that closely familiar with HD's specific implementation, so there's no practical reason it must be married to coil but I suppose it's possible they physically designed it that way.
Last edited by Don81; Oct 2, 2014 at 09:30 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
Well, I know how ion sensing works which is enough to tell me there's no impact.
Ion sensing is about reading the conductivity of the plasma trail left behind after the spark event has created combustion. It can be used as an intrusive cylinder detection mechanism to determine things like misfires or knock.
The coil is just a means to the spark, the ion sensing comes in after the fact. It really doesn't matter if the spark source is different or even generated in a different fashion such as capacitive discharge vs. inductance.
EDIT: Unless of course the ion sensing circuitry is part of the factory coil, in which throwing that away will certainly have an impact. I'm not that closely familiar with HD's specific implementation, so there's no practical reason it must be married to coil but I suppose it's possible they physically designed it that way.
Ion sensing is about reading the conductivity of the plasma trail left behind after the spark event has created combustion. It can be used as an intrusive cylinder detection mechanism to determine things like misfires or knock.
The coil is just a means to the spark, the ion sensing comes in after the fact. It really doesn't matter if the spark source is different or even generated in a different fashion such as capacitive discharge vs. inductance.
EDIT: Unless of course the ion sensing circuitry is part of the factory coil, in which throwing that away will certainly have an impact. I'm not that closely familiar with HD's specific implementation, so there's no practical reason it must be married to coil but I suppose it's possible they physically designed it that way.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Looks like a good way to trap heat that would normally migrate up and away from the combustion chamber. Not mention blocking wind passing over it. These engines run hot enough as it is.
Don't get me wrong friend. I'm not trying to kick down another man's barn; if it suits you, that's all that matters.
Don't get me wrong friend. I'm not trying to kick down another man's barn; if it suits you, that's all that matters.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 2,990
From: Charleston, SC
Most of the newer cars these days use the same tech. Separate coils on each spark plug so it's really not new. Cool to see on a bike though...
I think it looks great and I almost went that way myself when I needed a replacement coil.
I figure since the kit is made specifically for our bikes the manufacturer already thought of the hard stuff (Ion sense etc) and it doesn't look like it will hold any more heat than say a HD Head Fin bridge.
Rock on.
I think it looks great and I almost went that way myself when I needed a replacement coil.
I figure since the kit is made specifically for our bikes the manufacturer already thought of the hard stuff (Ion sense etc) and it doesn't look like it will hold any more heat than say a HD Head Fin bridge.
Rock on.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 594
Likes: 10
From: Seminole County, FL
Since I put these coils on, no more codes, no more pinging, mileage is up about 10 miles a tankful, and it doesn't even notice that the 'Ol lady is on the back or not, now that is a performance enhancement!
The way the coil holder is designed it has plenty of airflow as it is an extension of the head fins with a good sized space beneath the coil and holder and the top of the head. The coil "floats" on top of the plug via a wound spring type connector, while the rest of the holder rigid mounts on top of the head bolts on either side of the plug.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Supporter
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,723
Likes: 233
From: Altoona, Pa.
For me, I'd never add anything to block any air flow or trap any heat into the head area. I really like those chrome bridges they make to bridge the plug area. As hot as these engines run, I'm not doing anything to make it worse.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 695
Likes: 13
From: New Braunfels, TX
I see your point though, it does require that sensing lead tap off the secondary winding and I wouldn't call that common yet.
Just stick a wire inbetween the coil and the plug.
I'm kidding.