Omega/Points

[Norm T R100T R1150RT]

Howdy - With the semi-recent failures with the Omega ignition systems I'm considering re-installing my Bean can. Currently I carry it in my top box for emergencies - I have a cover plate and O-ring in place. I may take my Airhead cross country again next summer and I'd like to set up my bike to make the swap in systems easier, so my thinking is to set up the bean can, then run an extra wire from the points/condenser to a suitable location near the coil mount where, a failed Omega, would only require removal of the tank and a wire swap. Been a while since I've been in there - does this idea sound feasible. I'd considered a switched set up also - may be the way to go ... My Omega seems to be working fine - 40,000 - 50,000 miles, no problems, but this ride may be in the 7 - 8,000 mile range with a friend and want to avoid any lengthy delays in case of a failure. Thanks - Norm

[Garnet]

Yes, that sounds like a good idea. You could use a switch to change from the bean can to the Omega and back without even getting off the bike.

You said points and cond. Does that mean you have a 1979/80 bean can with points in it? If so, you must add servicing the points gap and lubing the rubbing block to your regular maintainece chores. Even though you may not be useing them, they are still spinning away down there, same goes for the advance unit.

I would be inclined to leave the bean can off, but just get it out and do a trial fit, so if it does need to be fitted on the side of the road, you can do it in the dark, so to speak.

[Duane Ausherman]

If it can be done reliably, I would prefer to install them both. The Omega will fail at night in a storm and that isn't the time to install the bean can.

Having a switch for the bean can will provide another interesting test. One could discover if one performs better than the other.

[Norm T R100T R1150RT]

I've the points in the Bean can - the original idea of removing the can and installing the cover plate was to avoid wear on the points assembly - I may re-install the can, if only for this lengthy ride. Though I am concerned about replacing the Bean can assembly on the side of the road under adverse conditions as I routinely ride back roads, to include gravel and dirt thru the mountains and hill country.

[barryh]

Running on the omega with the bean can fitted means you would not have to set the timing at the side of the road whether that was done statically with a test lamp or dynamically with a strobe. Although one of the good things about the bean can is once you know it's advance range it can be timed very accurately statically.

Running with it fitted introduces another possibility. If fuel quality was uncertain where you are going you could set out with the bean can timed a few degrees retarded compared to the omega and switch it in for use with lower octane fuel.

[Norm T R100T R1150RT]

One thing I'd considered doing, and I didn't think about it til after I pulled the can to mount the Omega, would be to set the point gap and timing and then scribe a mark on the can and the timing chain cover to enable an easy install. Should get me reasonably close, enough to at least get to a better spot to more accurately set the timing.

[KenHawk]

Well, hers a question for you...

Isit at all possible to acquire an omega system to keep as a back-up?

I've been very happy with mine and I've been thinking about backing it up with either my points-in-a-can or to install a Boyer in the can and use that as a back-up.I ran a Boyer digital system from 1989 until 2000-something without ever touching the system, so I have a great deal of confidence in them.

Choices, choices!