whats the best Electronic Ign to us

Hi Mo,

I personally prefer Tri-Spark over and above any other system I have repaired or replaced on our bikes or others.

There seems to be a lot of negative reports on the reliability of Tri-Spark.

From reading them, I guess I’m lucky as I’ve not run into any of these issues. 

Here’s a quick article I did on a couple of gotchas to keep an eye out for:

https://granttiller.com/lets-talk-about-tri-spark

Of course the positive feed should not be an issue on a MK3, but if you have a Podtronics reg/rec it may be something to look out for.

Shout if you have any questions.

Hi Maurice, I have just been down this road with a Mk3 that I am currently rebuilding as I plan to use the electric start I decided on a Pazon Altair, but for me it came down to 3 ignitions Pazon Altair, Trispark or possibly Boyer mk4 which are all Digital where as the Pazon Surefire and Boyer mk3 are analogue so therefor are more voltage sensitive [my understanding is that an analogue unit will not work correctly at lower voltages] as Grant has reported there have been a number of reported failures of the Trispark maybe due to the fact that the whole unit is contained in the timing chest and therefor possibly more subject to heat damage though it is reported that the new model is better. As I live in New Zealand I chose the one that is locally made though I did seriously consider the Trispark [Australia] but for me as the Pazon is NZ made and that the CDI box is separate I therefor made my choice.

I've used Boyer on my Commando (it was OK) and tried it on my BSA Triple (where it was useless!). After fitting the Tri Spark system to my Triple it was transformed - first-kick starter and 100% reliable. A few years ago Tri Spark developed a system based on the Triple system for British Twins i.e. not wasted spark and still a 'black-box' set-up. It worked very well with an incredibly strong spark. Tri Spark didn't market this system for very long before they replaced it with the 'Classic Twin'.  Later, I changed to one of these early 'Classic Twin' systems i.e. all in the points cover and experienced the issue Grant mentioned about six months after fitment. Steve Kelly at Tri Spark sent me a replacement unit and it was perfect afterwards. It is worth noting that the Tri Spark and Pazon digital systems both incorporate an anti-kickback feature which I know from experience works a treat and will not only help prevent damaged feet and ankles but also be kinder to electric starters - I'm unsure whether the latest Boyers have a similar feature.

As a above, Tri Spark, it is directional and suits starters well. Over 16,000 miles on mine and it has been faultless. It also does not create a spark when the supply is connected unlike the old boyer. If you have a dodgy ignition switch or connection you will not get a misfire with a Tri Spark either. 

I agree with Alan's findings and would add that the Pazon Altair seems to be the only system that replicates the original factory ignition advance curve.

It gives full advance at just over 3000rpm, with a very noticeable improvement in torque over my old Boyer system.

Easier to set up and strobe, stable idle and mostly kick back free.

For me this was an expensive purchase with the import tariff and tax from NZ as UK dealers only stocked the Surefire system at the time. 

Good luck

Gordon

Boyer MK4 is still analogue like the Boyer MK3 but with upgrades to take away the over advancing at low voltages that the MK3 suffered from and that killed 850 MK3 sprags.

I've just completed a full rewire and fitted an Alton Electric starter on a 72 Combat bike. The bike had a old Mk3 Boyer which I believe was failing and also the bike kicked back viciously on occasions. To protect the new starter I chose the Tri-Spark system based on the fact it was all in one unit in the timing case and also from reading up it somewhat protects from some backfires. Set the timing with a degree wheel and then confirmed with a Stobe and the system performs well, firing straight away from cold.

Also replaced the coils and wiring from the Tri-Spark to the bike to be absolutely sure there were no other failing parts. Also ran another engine earth so not just relying on the top engine steady earth.

My Mk3 was fitted with a Boyer (black box) ignition when I bought it 30 years ago. Despite timing was strobed and wiring checked, I broke to close rato first gear pinions because of kick back. The black box was replaced with a digital version (red box) with the same problem.

Five years ago I replaced it with a Wassell system using exact the same wiring and all problems was gone. No kick back no misfiring just steady timing.

RGM and L. P. Williams both stock the Tri Spark system  - RGM is about £4.00 cheaper at £234.00.

HtH

Best ignition for a commando  imo is elektronik Sachs