[KWLDK]

Hi.

New member from Denmark.

I recently purchased a 1946 Royal Enfield 350 CO. The bike is in fairly original shape, but haven´t been started in 60+ years.

I played a bit with the bike the other evening, and managed to get the igniter to spark - irregularly I must admit, but there was spark. Over the years, I have restored quite a few XS650´s, and have learnt that the best engine related investment on these older bikes is on the ignition system. It solves so many problems.

Therefore, I would like to convert to 12V dynamo and update the ignition system with an electronic ignition instead of the original points system on the Royal Enfield. Do any of you guys know if it is possible to buy or modify an electronic ignition for this model?


Regards, Kenneth.

[Adrian II]

Hi,

I'm guessing that the CO has the usual Lucas MO1 magdyno?

For the ignition your choices are:

1. Get the magneto half rebuilt, there are specialists who will do this. I'm in the UK where we have a number of them, but I'm sure they are in Europe too.

http://www.rutlanddynamos.co.uk/

http://theodole.nl/index2.html

2. Replace the old Magdyno with modern one! I know there was a supplier in Germany who sold these, the ignition is CDI-based, so battery-independent like the old Lucas. There is also this one, again CDI-based.

https://www.bt-h.biz/MD1R--Magdyno-Single-Cylinder.

3. If you want to convert the existing magneto to run on electronics, do a search for the Thorspark conversion, this replaces the points assemble BUT you lose the magneto's self-generating ability, your ignition will use a separate coil and becomes dependant on the rest of the electrics being in good condition. A retrograde step in my opinion.

For the dynamo, 12V-rated electronic regulator kits are available, Dave Lindsley in the UK sells the JG conversion, but there will be others, your local classic bike specialist may well stock some. Or you can buy one of these!

https://www.bt-h.biz/AGC05

A.

[KWLDK]

Wow Adrian, you are a Hero :-)

I think I will follow your advice and keep the stock magneto, but give some it some TLC, and then upgrade the dynamo to 12v . I´ll see if I can find a local that does rebuilds. If not, i will contact one of the companies you recommended.

Thanks a lot :-)

[Boxerman]

I fitted J G 12volt conversions to my MZs back in the 80s. Easy to fit and worked flawlessly.
Dave Lindsley's website hasn't been updated in a while, so I don't know if they are still trading.
http://www.davelindsley.co.uk/jg-electronic-regulators.html

Frank

[Adrian II]

This on Dave Lindsley's home web page, for the benefit of European and UK members.

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to update our website or online catalogue (due to out-of-date software) but please be assured we are open and trading as usual. Please phone for current parts prices. Thank you. Dave Lindsley (January 2022).

Though doesn't that count as a web site update? 

They rebuilt a BTH magneto for me a couple of years ago. Nice job, but £££ $$$ €€€ pain!

A.

[Bilgemaster]

This on Dave Lindsley's home web page, for the benefit of European and UK members.

Though doesn't that count as a web site update? 

They rebuilt a BTH magneto for me a couple of years ago. Nice job, but £££ $$$ €€€ pain!

A.

There was a guy with a "Magneto Rebuilding" stand at that Triumph National Rally that I and many other chiefly Canadian Royal Enfield Owners Club of North America members attended in Oley, Pennsylvania a few years ago. I was there 3 days and the line (or "queue" for you Britnoids) just to speak with him never once lessened from  "multitude grade" the whole time. You'd have thought it was one of those old tyme County Fair style "kissing booths" for charity staffed by Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, and maybe Priyanka Chopra for our Indian members, with apologies, since I am led to understand that public kissing yonder is generally considered taboo and an "Amber Turd Grade No-no". Indeed, that dude was busier throughout than a one-armed wallpaper hanger. Little wonder that such guys with those now moribund specialist skills can command top dollar.

[KWLDK]

Update.

I found a local guy who restored my M01 Magdyno back to factory spec. I considered the options i was presented, but chose to go the original route. Now it has all new internals(where needed). It sparks quite impressive now.

Thanks for your input.

[Adrian II]

Perfect!

A.