Bimota Forum Forum Index Bimota Forum
Forum for Bimota Owners and Riders
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in  

Ignition coils DB2
Goto page 1, 2  Next
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Bimota Forum Forum Index -> DB Series
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
welshlamb



Joined: 09 Mar 2011
Posts: 592
Location: South Wales , Nr. Abergavenny

PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2016 5:07 pm    Post subject: Ignition coils DB2 Reply with quote

in checking spark the other day I cant say I was impressed by the thin spark at the plug gap. The plug leads also look pretty spindly and of course are 20+ years old. (hopefully the prob was a loose spade connector at coil, now tightened up and cleaned but now waiting for battery to be recharged as I ran it down before realised it was trying to start on 1.1/8th cylinders!)

Are they the same as fitted to a 94 900SS and in any case any suggested alternatives? CA Cycleworks don't do the Exactfit coils anymore so wondering if any experience with Dynacoils or even breakers yard alternatives (e.g. Half the Laverdas in UK seem to run on Kawa Kp03 coils)
_________________
Not as many bikes as I would like and already too many to keep up with!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
2bims



Joined: 03 Apr 2010
Posts: 7289

PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2016 6:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

CA Cycleworks dont do the red box exactfit anymore???????? Is that right?....oh timing eh...I see you at the show...live 5 miles from it...and happen to have a brand new set sat upstairs in one of the bedrooms.... Laughing

Pretty sure that Duc items are the same...and I'll have a look on a couple of my specialist sites/sellers...changing of leads always a good idea and of course Cycleworks coils come with them pre-supplied....of course....... Laughing
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
welshlamb



Joined: 09 Mar 2011
Posts: 592
Location: South Wales , Nr. Abergavenny

PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2016 10:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

OK will await with interest.


Whilst we're are at it what are correct plugs?

'Manual' (LOL!) says Champion RABYC which I presume is typo for RA8YC but neither come up on Google search

Ducati Haynes manual says RA6HC for 900SS

Options/opinions please
_________________
Not as many bikes as I would like and already too many to keep up with!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
2bims



Joined: 03 Apr 2010
Posts: 7289

PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2016 10:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Confirm same in my Ducati Haynes Manual....for 750 and 900ss models....the exactfit ignition coils from cycleworks come with a pair of ngk DR9EA plugs in the box.....

Before you go the whole hog and expense of changing coils...have you tried trimming and remaking the ends at both sides?...unscrew connecters and trim off half an inch or so if you have sufficient slack and push and turn the caps and ends back in......and or change the leads and caps and plugs.....Dont know about anyone else but I've never had an issues on a Duc engine with the coils...hence why I've still got new ones in a box from Cycleworks...acquired as spares....

When it stops raining I'll check what plugs I currently use in my DB2...albeit not a fuel injected model...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
2bims



Joined: 03 Apr 2010
Posts: 7289

PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2016 10:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Old plug stock for Ducati 900SS motors I also have Champion RA6HC and NGKR DCPR8E that I have used in the past
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
welshlamb



Joined: 09 Mar 2011
Posts: 592
Location: South Wales , Nr. Abergavenny

PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2016 3:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I can't change plug leads as moulded into the coils. Have checked that caps screwed on well at other end and also that cap on spark plug thread is tight. Will order some Champion plugs (have DR9EA fitted)

Just seems reluctant to fire up but will give it a few minutes and see how it warms up. (at least its firing on 2 cyl now)
_________________
Not as many bikes as I would like and already too many to keep up with!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
2bims



Joined: 03 Apr 2010
Posts: 7289

PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2016 4:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ah yes...yeh...sorry about that...same on DB1...can change plug caps but wires are moulded in at the other end....Your plug choice should be ok...perhaps the bike just needs a good warm up/run....I would remake the ends where the caps are though...not just check for tightness...the ends are where the corrosion can build up/frayed cables...so if theres still an issue then chop a half inch off the ends and rescrew them back in...cleaning the back of the plug cap.

Did a quick check around for CA Cycleworks Exactfit coils...and yeh...gone from Ebay.US and not listed on their own factory site either??? What gives??? Sort of reluctant to pass on my old ones now (old..i.e. NOS)....
I have found one original Ducati Coil and lead, new, for 35 euros from Italy, he probably has more but only lists one at a time.

And then theres these boys in Germany who always have stuff for old Ducs....
http://www.ducati-kaemna.com/catalog/ducati/supersport-750-900-1000/elektrik-elektronik-electric-electronic/dyna-zuendspule-gruen-3-ohm.html

Of course you have bought a fuel injected Bimota...known to not like our climate....and I cant imagine its much warmer down in Mid-wales than it is in Sunny Mcr today.......
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
SpikeC



Joined: 20 Aug 2013
Posts: 450
Location: Portland, Oregon

PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2016 5:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My DB5R was rather hard to start when I acquired it. After replacing the cables from the battery to the solenoid and from there to the starter, plus the battery to ground with heavier ones with pure copper terminals, it starts up first crank even when cold, and I suspect that our winters here in the Pacific Northwest are not dissimilar to your climate.
_________________
Spike C.
Portland, Oregon, USA
2008 Bimota DB5R
1965 Triumph T100SC
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
welshlamb



Joined: 09 Mar 2011
Posts: 592
Location: South Wales , Nr. Abergavenny

PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2016 10:59 pm    Post subject: inching towards the line Reply with quote

Thanks Guys,
The engine throttle response certainly gets better as it warms up, just seems to take a while to do that. Will live with it and see what happens.

Also noted that the oil temp gauge doesn't seem to respond. I tried an identical one from my Laverda and as soon as ignition switched on that moves needle from the 'post' to 50deg.
The Bim unit just sits on the post. All other instruments work as does the oil temp gauge backlight so deffo getting power.
Unit looks fine (although curiously dated 1997 so clearly a replacement unit)
Not required for MOT and so I have stuck it back in panel for the moment.

How long should it take to register above 50deg with engine running? Is there anyway I can check the sender unit?

White Veglias seem pretty much extinct from my web searches so may need to look for a same size alternative if it persists in not working.

On a more positive note the seat unit went back on today and MOT booked for next week. Not putting fairing back on until I fit the new plugs.
_________________
Not as many bikes as I would like and already too many to keep up with!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
brian



Joined: 22 Aug 2011
Posts: 3769
Location: Australia

PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2016 12:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I ought a set of cycle works coils from a supplier in Aus last year. I could contact him and see if he has any left if anybody wants a set? I haven't noticed any difference from the original stock coils
_________________
'99 DB4 #104, '96 SB6 #1165, '94 DB2 J #652, '99 DB4 #088, '08 VTX1800, '93 ZXR750R M1, '95 ZXR750, '95 ZXR750 Race Bike, '94 CBR400rr NC29 Race Bike, '94 CB250, '49 BSA C10 250, '61 BSA A10 650, '89 ZXR750, '91 Ducati 851
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
2bims



Joined: 03 Apr 2010
Posts: 7289

PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2016 11:05 am    Post subject: Re: inching towards the line Reply with quote

welshlamb wrote:
Thanks Guys,
The engine throttle response certainly gets better as it warms up, just seems to take a while to do that. Will live with it and see what happens.

Also noted that the oil temp gauge doesn't seem to respond. I tried an identical one from my Laverda and as soon as ignition switched on that moves needle from the 'post' to 50deg.
The Bim unit just sits on the post. All other instruments work as does the oil temp gauge backlight so deffo getting power.
Unit looks fine (although curiously dated 1997 so clearly a replacement unit)
Not required for MOT and so I have stuck it back in panel for the moment.

How long should it take to register above 50deg with engine running? Is there anyway I can check the sender unit?

White Veglias seem pretty much extinct from my web searches so may need to look for a same size alternative if it persists in not working.

On a more positive note the seat unit went back on today and MOT booked for next week. Not putting fairing back on until I fit the new plugs.


Ok...One question at a time please.....It is still fairly cool outside...and Bimotas fuel injected bikes are known to be set up and like the Italian climate...but no so much so the British/Welsh climate. Added to this is you really dont know how long its been since the bike was properly run....once a few rides have been taken you'll find little things start to come to life ...I've just recommissioned DB2 and DB4...and both were running a bit flat initally....but both now brimmed with fresh 97 grade fuel (for the extra cost dont bother with 95...give it the best you can)...When MOT'd try a 10 mile run warming it up gradually and riding it so...then 20,,,then 30 etc until you are confident its running well.

When you switch the ignition on the needle on the temp gauge should just move off the post....dont worry about the 1997 date on it..as I've said before, DB2's only ever came with twin clocks, tacho and speedo and never a temp gauge...even the FE model only 2 clocks as standard...So a previous owner has added the temp gauge anyhow...White faced veglias are hard to come by nowadays...I was lucky to find a set of triple clocks at reasonable price but that was a long while ago....
On the RHS crankcase theres a large hexagonal bolt fitted down low...this is a nylon sump gauze filter that takes a feed from the cylinder heads and recycles it down through the nylon gauze and into the gearbox....As your bike has had a temp gauge retro fitted like I did with mine...this bolt some 25mm in dia has been replaced with one that is drilled and threaded for a "thermister" to be screwed into it...this has a ss mushroom cap on the end that takes a single spade connecter wire up to the back of the temp gauge...It works off resistance...the hotter it gets the less resistance it gives and this puts more juice into the temp gauge raising the needle....You can put the bike on its sidestand and remove this thermister from the larger outer bolt in the crankcase...have a small container ready as some 1/4 litre of oil will come out, but can be put back in....you can test the thermister by simply immersing it in hot water...BUT...you also have to earth the thermister back to engine/frame....as when its screwed in that outer bolt acts as the earth.
The fact that the oil temp gauge lights up means nothing...as theres a separate feed to the bulb unit thats inside it...the operation of the temp gauge requires its own feed...which you can take direct off the battery positive and feed to back of temp gauge....I have a direct battery feed to my temp gauge..but with an inline spade fuse connector on it where I remove the fuse when parked up for a while as otherwise the temp gauge would be "on" all the time draining the battery.

GEt the wires wrong on the back of the temp gauge and apparently it blows the gauge to being inop.

Warming-up....If the bike is stationary and running...it would take half an hour to merely register say 50 degrees......only when running the bike under load..i.e. riding, will the temp rise properly...after about 10 mile of sgentle riding, mine will register 80-100 degrees...a long run and or stuck in traffic sees 120 on the gauge...but then my engines tweaked and hence runs hotter...I should...like BImotaNIges similarly tweaked big bore kit DB2 be running an extra oil cooler piggy backed onto the existing...the existing is in a bad location behind the front wheel not really catching as much air...on DB4 its high mounted to catch air direct from under the fairing between the forks....

I'd suggest removing the gauge and testing on a separate circuit with the thermister, battery etc and cup of hot water, you may have a broken wire, missing fuse...or someone connected it up backwards and its blown.

If i have something on a bike, I like it to be working...but a temp gauge on an air cooled Duc 900 motor isnt really a problem unless youre commuting in rush hour California...and then the clutch and a sticky gearbox will tell you its getting hot. Water cooled bikes...yeh...you want a temp gauge so that you know if you've sprung a leak and about to seize the motor...air cooled ducs...not such a worry
Hope this helps
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
2bims



Joined: 03 Apr 2010
Posts: 7289

PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2016 11:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I checked at my local Ducati dealer...and the thermister item is still available from Ducati...ask for thermistor for a 1997 Ducati 900ss....price is 13gbp or thereabouts...so not a bad price to check and see...White faced vegila temp gauges....pretty rare...also fitted to Ducati 851/888....Ducati 900SS 97 onwards unto 1999...and motoguzzis if youre searching ebay...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
welshlamb



Joined: 09 Mar 2011
Posts: 592
Location: South Wales , Nr. Abergavenny

PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2016 2:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks, Ill bear in mind.

I know that thermistors vary a lotin spec so what suitable for one gauge may not be OK for another, but also mindful my Lav gauge did move when connected to the Bim's circuit so it is probably the gauge... will ride it and see.(although thermistor does offer the convenience of 'coffee cup' testing!)

Been busy last 2 days on house/job stuff. but will fit new plugs, headlight beam deflector (OK for MOT) and get fairing back on tomorrow then just adjust chain, check key fasteners and pray fro dry weather for Thursday's trip to MOT station (about 9 mile round trip)
_________________
Not as many bikes as I would like and already too many to keep up with!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
welshlamb



Joined: 09 Mar 2011
Posts: 592
Location: South Wales , Nr. Abergavenny

PostPosted: Sat Apr 16, 2016 9:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well, the MOT test is successfully over and done with.
Will get paperwork off to DVLA on Monday to get the bike registered and a plate number issued

New LIPo4 specific charger seems to be working and bike turns over OK but takes several turns (at least) to catch and run from cold. Once warmed up after a run, even after leaving 20 mins, it fired up first time and straight into a nice tickover. Probably poor FI mapping and a non to brilliant spark. Not a problem for now.

Was good to have the ride to and from the MOT test. bike feels light and grunty (only took to 5000/5500 as first run and also bedding in new brakes etc) brakes are powerful and progressive even so,.....and it sounds really good!

Will post up some pictures of the completed bike if the sun comes out to play tomorrow.

Roll on registration and some sunshine.
_________________
Not as many bikes as I would like and already too many to keep up with!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
2bims



Joined: 03 Apr 2010
Posts: 7289

PostPosted: Sat Apr 16, 2016 9:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

And apparently your Oil temp gauge is working again.... Laughing

You could have taken a few pictures along the journey and at the MOT station...we do like pictures...especially if it proves that it makes its way out of the garage and onto the open road which is where they belong....... Laughing

Just whilst I'm on.....when you adjusted your chain....did you check it whilst on sidestand....rearstand....or with someone sat on the bike?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Bimota Forum Forum Index -> DB Series All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group

The Bimota Forum has no official connection to Bimota S.p.A.. We just ride or are interested in their motorcycles and support the brand. All trademarks are acknowledged