Norris points

[RPGR90s]

I've used stock BMW points in my R90s for many years. For a time, I recall that they were made in China and had all sorts of issues. I had a set of those and found that the gap would shrink due to the cam block wearing prematurely, but went back to my cleaned up old points and they've stayed serviceable for many years.

I thought that the "Norris" brand had resolved these (cheap Chinese crap) issues, but after installing a new set in a client's R60/5, I'm still wondering.

I set the gap to .016" and adjusted the timing, greased the cam with official BMW grease. Bike started and ran fine.

Went for a ride and within a few miles, noticed the idle getting rough and some missing and spitting. Returned back to my shop and inspected the gap, which was down to .006".

Damn.

I cleaned up the old points (don't know the brand), installed them and went out for a long thirty mile ride and it ran perfect and the gap stayed at .016".

Just passing this along in hopes that it saves someone some aggravation. Hopefully, the points BMW is NOW using has this resolved.

[barryh]

It's a shame such a simple component as points are hard to obtain in decent quality. I still have a spare new set of BMW supplied points that must be well excess of 15 years old which I think is before the Chinese shenanigans. With the aid of an pointers booster, they should outlast me.

For those with points in a can there are allegedly many alternatives available which is perhaps not so surprising given the can was developed from an existing automotive distributor. Here is what is supposed to fit.

Bean Can Points.png (85.7 KiB) Viewed 1015 times

Bean Can Points2.png (85.64 KiB) Viewed 1016 times

Bean Can Points3.png (62.2 KiB) Viewed 1016 times

[jackonz]

This is becoming a common issue for any engine with contact points, I work in a polytechnic in the Automotive training department and we have engines in frames for practical basic tuning training, all have contact points and we are finding getting parts like contact points rotor arms and caps harder to obtain.
I have just cleaned out our local supplier of spares for these items for our engines, and yes the copy parts made in china are frankly rubbish.

[RPGR90s]

Pretty sad. I remember a few years ago, a group of us rode to the Hocking Hills, OH area. I rode my R90s as did another friend. He had tuned up his bike the week before as had I. We met up in Toledo for breakfast and both of us commented on how poor our bikes were running, but continued on. Once we got to the campground, neither bike would idle. Checked both bikes and the gaps were almost closed. Reset to spec and rode around the next day with no problems, but by the 3rd day, the points on both bikes had closed again. Both sets were labeled Norris from BMW.

[TitusBooker]

I have experience with Boxer engines, and I agree with some of your points. In particular, I agree with the opinion that Boxer engines have a unique sound and character, which are some of the attractive features of these bikes. This sound and sense of power delivery made my rides on my Boxer motorcycle unforgettable. Also, I agree with the preference for manual operation and the use of a valve transmission over an automatic transmission. For me personally, it adds more interaction and control over the bike that I enjoy while riding. Regarding the issue of repair and maintenance, I also think it's important to find a reliable and experienced mechanic who specializes in Boxer engines. This will help keep the bike in good condition and extend its life. Overall, I fully support your love and respect for Boxer motorcycles. They are unique machines that bring us a lot of joy and pleasure to ride. I look forward to continuing to communicate with you and share my experiences.

[Rob Frankham]

I have experience with Boxer engines, and I agree with some of your points. In particular, I agree with the opinion that Boxer engines have a unique sound and character, which are some of the attractive features of these bikes. This sound and sense of power delivery made my rides on my Boxer motorcycle unforgettable. Also, I agree with the preference for manual operation and the use of a valve transmission over an automatic transmission. For me personally, it adds more interaction and control over the bike that I enjoy while riding. Regarding the issue of repair and maintenance, I also think it's important to find a reliable and experienced mechanic who specializes in Boxer engines. This will help keep the bike in good condition and extend its life. Overall, I fully support your love and respect for Boxer motorcycles. They are unique machines that bring us a lot of joy and pleasure to ride. I look forward to continuing to communicate with you and share my experiences.

ChatGP or something similar?

Rob

[barryh]

I have experience with Boxer engines, and I agree with some of your points. In particular, I agree with the opinion that Boxer engines have a unique sound and character, which are some of the attractive features of these bikes. This sound and sense of power delivery made my rides on my Boxer motorcycle unforgettable. Also, I agree with the preference for manual operation and the use of a valve transmission over an automatic transmission. For me personally, it adds more interaction and control over the bike that I enjoy while riding. Regarding the issue of repair and maintenance, I also think it's important to find a reliable and experienced mechanic who specializes in Boxer engines. This will help keep the bike in good condition and extend its life. Overall, I fully support your love and respect for Boxer motorcycles. They are unique machines that bring us a lot of joy and pleasure to ride. I look forward to continuing to communicate with you and share my experiences.

ChatGP or something similar?

Rob

Does sound like it from the style and composition, unless it's someone who doesn't have English as their first language, who else would write "I agree with the preference for manual operation and the use of a valve transmission over an automatic transmission"