Who loves their points ignition?

Im not sure why, but I have been considering sticking with the points on my bike when I put it back together.

I know I have heard a few folks who really like their points ignitions.

Hoping to hear some of the reasons people like them.

I have heard plenty of why others don't.

There's nothing wrong with the points system, it worked for many years until they got the electronics down pat, for reliability. With the electronic ignition, once it's set, you can forget it. The points have to be checked for clearance and wear every year. I got one for my KZ 650, but haven't installed it yet. Bob

No magic boxes to fail when you least need it.

I like points fine on my bike. Maybe because after using them for 35 years they don't offer much challenge in maintaining. I replace them about every 8 - 10k miles. One advantage they have over electronic is I don't think points ever fail hard and leave you stuck, whereas electronic can do that sometimes. However, I do understand why folks like electronic ignition - zero maintenance. My cars & truck are electronic and I wouldn't change them to points even if I could, so I'm not anti-electronic, I guess I'm just used to them on the bike. Ed

I have no issues with mine. Unless I were converting to a fully electric advance as well as ignition, I'll stick with them.

On tour many years ago, a condencer failed. The points burned and one coil stopped working, but I got to the nearest town where I bought a condencer for a Mitsubishi and 600 paper to smooth the points and was soon on my way. With electronic failure, I'd be stranded. However, electronic ignitions never fail as often as points ignitions - but carrying a spare set of points and condencer cost nothing (if you carry a set you replaced) whereas a complete electronic set cost space and money. Still, neither system is a deal breaker for me. I wouldn't pay to convert either way. I may modify the plates to take points from a V8 Chevy as they are made to take a lot more abuse and cost a lot less than stock points.

faffi wrote: However, electronic ignitions never fail as often as points ignitions -

Not sure that's true. My CDI has blown a couple of times. I have also read many posts about Dyna ignitions with blown channel drivers.

LOL! I totally thought the OP was going to be something like "I love my points. I don't have any problems with my points. Look at all the posts for electronic ignition problems on this forum. LOL!"

On KZs I've got about 200,000 miles on Dyna ignitions with one failure, and 120,000 on factory electronic with zero failure, so I'd say 320,000 miles on one failure is pretty good. Points I have a grand total of 10,000 miles on a KZ and they were a major disaster in that 10,000 when the bike was new back in 1978. So no I do not love points ignition I'm afraid.