Jota 180 HTZ ignition replacement?

Vincey999

New member
Location
Norfolk
Hi Guys

My 78 Jota 180 still has the stock HTZ / CDI ignition, my question is what's  a suitable upgrade / replacement? And should I ditch the HTZ ASAP?

Motalia has these in stock (uk) any thoughts?

https://www.motalia.co.uk/laverda-ignition-kit-witt-replace-cdi-unit-180wittcdi.html

Cheers
 
If your system is still working, the only reason to replace it is the variable advance curve you'll get with a modern ignition.

I don't know where you live but if you're in the UK, you'll likely find cheaper on the Continent, as long as you order before Jan. 1st.

Paul
 
Cheers Paul,

Yeh I'm in the UK and brexit ain't far away tbh, although thats not the biggest driver. I've read a few threads and they all slagged the stock ignition off for rough running etc so good to get some more experienced opinions.

What other systems / makes would you recommend?

Cheers
 
Vincey999 said:
Cheers Paul,

Yeh I'm in the UK and brexit ain't far away tbh, although thats not the biggest driver. I've read a few threads and they all slagged the stock ignition off for rough running etc so good to get some more experienced opinions.

What other systems / makes would you recommend?

Cheers

There's the Ignitech as used and sold by Keith Nairn and Redax which has an excellent reputation.

I have yet to discover its qualities. It's going on my 3C project.

Paul
 
I'm guessing it's because Red has done all the homework and it's plug and play. The smoothing of the advance curve is a major improvement over the std ignition. Haven't heard of one triple owner not saying the gains were considerable. I'll be running Ignitech on my twin but I believe it's benefits are more pronounced on the triples.
 
I've run a Todd Boyer system in mine since September '97 when my CDI died, after twenty-three years. If yours is working, I'd leave it be.
By all means look at what's available and, maybe, line up a spare but, as long as it's running, there's no rush.
 
Leave it alone if its working, nothing to say the dmc will work as I've got one on the shelf because it don't work and it was new at the time.
Regards Andy 😁
 
All Laverda triples will benefit from an aftermarket ignition system.  Some less, most more.  The stock system has a very crude advance/retard, the advance curves offered by aftermarket systems smooths out low-down power delivery and makes the engine far more enjoyable around town... not all running is out of town at WOT (where there is little to no gain with such a system).

Reckon I certainly am biased, having worked on the development of the Moto Witt DMC systems in the 1990s.  The most recent version for the MkI triples uses a new ignition/alternator base plate with a single pick-up, doing away with the originals and their usually by now troublesome wiring.  This system has been running reliably in a couple of bikes for over 2 years, very happy with the results.  Yes, there have been DMC failures in the past, just as with its competitors.  There will certainly be failures in the future as well, just like any other electronic component hand-made in small quantities.  After almost 40 years experience with these units, I can state most DMC issues are entirely user-related, failure of the electronics is quite rare... akin to a snapped contact breaker spring.    :D

I've recently come across a spate of wiring failures in Sachse systems and I'm no fan of open circuit boards within engine casings either.

piet
 
sfcpiet said:
I'm no fan of open circuit boards within engine casings either.

piet

ICB's hard screwed to the interior of the casing is a mystery to me too.

On the equipment we sell, ICB's are mounted in enlosures, but are more often than not, screwed to the main boards with nylon nuts or spacers.
Heat and vibration are ICB killers.

Given that they (aftermarket ignitions) run their own earth wires, surely they are a stand up candidate for potting, or the like.
 
Vincey999 said:
Cheers Paul

Why are you choosing the Redax for the 3c? Just because  :)?

At least there are options!

Cheers

Because I purchased the complete kit with the alternator that produces more watts.

Paul
 
I don't think that there is much Ignitec in the Redax ignition/charging system any more, but I could be wrong, things changed when the original proprietor died, was that Volker Sachs? initially these may have been supply problems, and quite understandable, but later I think quality problems as well, no doubt Red will chip in soon.
CLEM
 
CLEMTOG said:
I don't think that there is much Ignitec in the Redax ignition/charging system any more, but I could be wrong, things changed when the original proprietor died, was that Volker Sachs? initially these may have been supply problems, and quite understandable, but later I think quality problems as well, no doubt Red will chip in soon.
CLEM

Volker Sachse was the proprieter of Sachse Electronics from Germany.  The Ignitec mob are from Czecho.

IIrc, Red started off with Sachse components but switched to Ignitec at some stage.

piet
 
sfcpiet said:
Red started off with Sachse components but switched to Ignitec at some stage.

I started using Ignitech boxes before Volker died while still using his boards
Since Volker died I have had my trigger boards made in Australia and use the Ignitech boxes which are excellent kit, have not used Sachse components for years



 
If your going to do the effort and expense get the latest version Witt DMC/32 rather than the older DMC2. DMC/32 has a single inducer, a more sophisticated computing processor and twin robust charging coils.

 
Rusty Spokes said:
If your going to do the effort and expense get the latest version Witt DMC/32 rather than the older DMC2. DMC/32 has a single inducer, a more sophisticated computing processor and twin robust charging coils.

Not quite... :D

DMC/32 refers to the box only.  The same box, with different software, is also used for the other triples, as well as the twins.  The first DMC/32 MkI triple kits came with the older style rotor and still used the original pick-ups.  The kit with the single pick-up has been released only recently. 

The DMC/32 is the direct replacement for the DMCII, this has been phased out due to obsolete/unobtainable internal components and shouldn't really be available any more.

piet
 
Thanks Piet!..I thought the DMC/32 for Mk1s was the complete new kit...that backing plate/new single inducer/new reluctor and double charging coils are nice change and highly recommended. What would one ask for if they want the new kit?
 
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