Im sure Im not the only one who has thought of replacing the standard CDI with that of a programmable Ignitech.
Personally, the only thing thats ever held me back from ordering one, is the lack of actual evidence that shows whether or not they really make any improvement at all!

Myself and Rick have been speaking every so often about benchmarking the standard CDI vs the Ignitech CDI but have never got round to it. Well, Until now.....
I want to start by saying a big thank you to Rick for letting me borrow the 2 units used during this test. One of which having the 'HRC' map installed, and the other with the 'Improved standard' map.

The bike used was an '89 NC30 (road bike only) of which the Full spec can be found here :
http://www.400greybike.info/newforum/vi ... 62&t=13127" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Before I took the bike to the tuners, I did complete a road test to see if there is any noticable improvements that I could feel. And I have to say, the most noticable difference for me was the CDI programmed with the 'improved standard' map, it just seemed a lot crisper on the throttle, and the power delivery seemed sharper and generally more alive. It has increased the max torque from 27.0 - 27.4, the peak BHP from 60.9 to 61.6, and the top speed from 136.9 - 139.9 and will be the CDI I will be using from now on.

Shown below are the Torque curves of each CDI benchmarked against one another:

Firstly, the standard CDI (shown in blue) went against the 'HRC' mapped CDI (shown in red).
The HRC map was set-up to redline at 14,875rpm.


Secondly, the standard CDI (shown in red) went against the 'improved standard' mapped CDI (shown in blue).
The improved standard map was programmed to have the same redline as the standard map


Lastly, the 'HRC' mapped CDI (shown in red) went against the 'improved standard' mapped CDI (shown in blue)


Of course each person will have different thoughts on this easy plug and play mod, and each bike will respond differently depending on the state of tune/engine condition and so on, but from my experience its a thumbs up for the Ignitech CDI.

Please note: these CDI's are customisable and can be tweaked if you feel it neccessary, however I was just focusing on the pre-installed maps Rick set up for me.

excellent review and thanks to you and rick for this info. i am sure alot on here will find this food for thought and also am sure it will spark some discussion.

nice one!

wierd thing is I tried both too and preferred the feel of the HRC one (set mine to 14,500 red line). might swap it back again for another try to the other map, nice to be able to do it so easily

And for anyone interested I have one for sale.

Ninja seller

CRM - Thanks mate, I was quite interested myself and was suprised at the results (I was expecting a little more from the 'HRC' pre-programmed map, maybe its developed more for a tuned engine?) Hopefully people can use this a rough guide or just to see that they do actually work.

banoffee - Maybe it just depends on the state of tune of the individual bike? engine condition etc? Its probably worth getting it set-up on a Dyno, its also interesting to know what your bikes putting out and can make spotting potential fuelling problems on the bike a lot easier.

Ninja seller - How much

alexwitham wrote:banoffee - Maybe it just depends on the state of tune of the individual bike? engine condition etc? Its probably worth getting it set-up on a Dyno, its also interesting to know what your bikes putting out and can make spotting potential fuelling problems on the bike a lot easier.

yep will get round to it at some point. have had several bikes on the dyno before

I`ve just checked to see that I did label those two CDIs the right way round, and I did so I guess we would have to conclude that the HRC program which is +4 degrees from the stock one at the top end is just too much advance for a standard engine. Bear in mind it was designed for use with race everything - cams, pistons, carbs, exhaust etc. etc.

I run an ignitech CDI on my RC30 and use a `stock +2 degrees` program in there which works very well so I think that next time Alex heads for the dyno I will equip him with a `stock + 2` and an `HRC - 2` (not the same thing as the shape of the curve is different) box and see if either of those performs better than the `Mod stock` version that he is currently using...

I'd be interested in those to try too please

No problem -

If any of you who are using Ignitech CDIs want these programs to try just mail me and I`ll send you the .ign files over...

r.oliver(at)mtxnet.co.uk

Rick

After road testing the amended HRC -2 Curve on the above mensioned bike (for full spec follow thread link) I have to say both the improved standard and HRC-2 curve run almost identical. (on my bike)

After 900miles with the Ignitech CDI fitted I have to say Im pleasently suprised at the benefits.