Hi,
I have almost completed a 1981 TR1 for the track. I am having trouble starting it first time. The only electrics on the bike are the charging circuit (to be replaced by a total loss system later), and the ignition. I have three TCI units. All second hand and from 750 bikes. One is not giving any spark on no.1 cylinder, but the other two, I'm not sure.
I have made up an adaptor to turn the engine over with an electric drill (Plugs out). Plenty of spark, just not in the right place.
Is there any difference between the 750 and 1000 TCI units that I should know about. I've been through the wiring diagrams and can't see that they would be different except for maybe a different advance curve. (internal)
Both coils have 2.3 Ohms primary resistance, the pickup's have 550 Ohms resistance and are not shorted between each other.
It may be that I'm just unlucky and have three bad TCI units. I have another second hand one coming.
Any help appreciated. Also info on aftermarket TCI boxes.
Cheers,
Craig :)

Hi Craig,

are You sure that You did not switch the ignition coils?? This happens frequently and causes such problems.
It is true that after 30 years the TCIs start getting weary. This is why many of us now use a TCI from the Czech Republic. It seems to work well and may even be set up individually. Personally, I haven't got one yet. But You find information about it here. Hopefully, there is someone who has got one and can tell You about it in English.
Still it is quite unlikely, that Your three TCIs should altogether be rotten. But unlikely does not mean impossible.

Good luck,

Stefan

Thanks for the post Stefan. Have found the Czech site.
Tried to upload an image of the bike without success. Here it is again. Maybe.
Craig

looks nice, especially the wheels. Where are they from? And what did You have to do to make them fit?

Cheers,
Stefan

stefan stein wrote:

looks nice, especially the wheels. Where are they from? And what did You have to do to make them fit? Cheers, Stefan

Oh yes, I would like to know also.
It looks good

Thanks,
Front is a Yamaha XS650 hub with an 18 inch Excel alloy rim. 2.5 inch wide front and 3.5 inch wide rear.
I've fitted XS1100 sliders to the XV stanchions (same diameter) which puts the caliper mounting brackets higher, so can fit larger diameter XS650 discs. ie bigger discs should equate to better stopping. We'll see. Not sure if this was the right move, as the discs are very heavy. Hub almost fits perfectly, although I had to make up a spacer to get rid of the speedo drive.
Rear is a Yamaha RD350 drum with an 18 inch Excel alloy rim. Definitely had to make up spacers for that one. Bit of a mine field trying to work out how to get the wheel in the centre. Also had to make a spacer for the rear sprocket.
Have fitted Dunlop TT900GP tires. 110 front, 140 rear.
Cheers,
Craig
 

After a mix-up with Paypal, I finally received the TCI-P4 ignition unit. Why didn't I do this in the beginning. Fantastic unit for the price, and comes with programming software. Bike is running now, but wasn't easy to start at first. I tried to use the charging circuit only. You have to spin the engine quite fast to get up to 8V. (8V - 14V is the operating range for the Ignitech unit.) Alternator windings and regulator checked out fine but may be the magnets loose some of their oomph over time. So bump starting wasn't an option. All was well when I fitted a battery.
If anyone is interested, I started asking questions on the "Viragotech" web site in "Tech Help", so you can see the history and outcomes. Had to work it out for myself in the end.
Happy Biking
Craig :)