The general consensous on ignitions...

[Speedway73]

I've got an '85 CR500 that I want to upgrade the ignition. What's the general consensous on these ignitions??

1. S/H system
2. PVL
3. Stock (other years ??)
4. CR 250 upgrade

I've read MANY hours of posts concerning all of these and come up with mixed results. Seems as though there is no clear-cut winner. Has anyone here had the luxury of being able to try ALL of these??

[Roostius_Maximus]

PVL!

call me cuz i have 1 i'd sell


i'd run a 250 ignition for a trail or mx bike, something thats going to have to turn big rpm on the flattrack id go pvl

[Speedway73]

I know Roosti....I know! I haven't given up the thought of a PVL just yet.

Remember....Ease of starting is the key.

A brutal mid range hit would be nice.

[100hp honda]

theres 2 different programable units out there also.

[Speedway73]

theres 2 different programable units out there also.

Oh?? Do tell !!

[redrocket190]

I'll bet no on consensus and no on anyone trying all in controlled conditions.

So...

Stock - known quantity for starting and performance. If you don't need lights and additional hassles, always the best bet.

Stock - CR250R. Different powerband. One assumes starts and runs at least as well as the donor bike.

Stock + lighting coil add-on - Ignition is known quantity, light output may not be the best.

After-market - PVL analog one curve? Vortex digital - 10 maps and programmable. How much testing do you think either have done to optimize for CR500R?

Service Honda (or rather Electrosport). Digital non-programmable, lighting output plus heavier flywheel weight. May or may not be able to start easily. Supposed 2nd gen version will be programmable, but don't hold your breath.

If I absolutely had to have lights, I would try a SH ignition if someone loaned it to me on a sale or return basis. If I couldn't make it work then I'd see about a lighting coil add-on.

If I did not need lights I would stay stock and focus on other areas of improvement first: suspension, pipe, porting. Then if the money tree shook I might consider a Vortex.

Opinions are like orifices...

[AlisoBob]

There are good lighting coil choices when swapping over the the CR250 based stuff.....

[100hp honda]

theres 2 different programable units out there also.

Oh?? Do tell !!

theres a few choices if you switch over to the 250 setup. dyna used to make one for the 250 but i think its discontinued, if you look on ebay i think they can still be found though.