going back to points

[typ181r90]

Lately my R90 has been showing its age and the usual wear items have been going (neutral switch, rotor, etc.) and I've been replacing the old with new which is fine. However, my bike came with a Dyna III already installed and the prospect of this failing on the road has been bothering me a bit and I'd like to carry points with me just in case that module is the next to go as it looks about 20 years old or so. From what I understand I'll just need the contact breaker (12 11 1 243 555) as the dyna III utilizes the rest of the stock system, is that correct? I know to look for German made Noris points instead of some of the Chinese crap BMW is peddling.

[20774]

Your going to need a different part, 12111353640, and all the pieces that go on it, other than the advance unit. The Dyna III completely replaces this part since the Hall effect sensors sit on their own plate which is mounted to the front of the engine. This contact plate is pretty expensive if you don't have it...I mistakenly threw mine out when I converted to the Dyna III. I ended up getting a used one for $50. I see on the RealOEM site that it lists for around $200.

[typ181r90]

Your going to need a different part, 12111353640, and all the pieces that go on it, other than the advance unit. The Dyna III completely replaces this part since the Hall effect sensors sit on their own plate which is mounted to the front of the engine. This contact plate is pretty expensive if you don't have it...I mistakenly threw mine out when I converted to the Dyna III. I ended up getting a used one for $50. I see on the RealOEM site that it lists for around $200.

That's what I was afraid of, wishful thinking it would just be the points. Thanks for the info Kurt, just bought a used set for $39

[barron_williams]

So, if someone has the patience, can you walk me through the rest of the steps?

Bike stops running.

Troubleshooting per the Dyna III brochure (all six pages or so) leads to electronics module failure.

We have all the above listed parts in the kit bag.

What is the process of removing the Dyna and re-installing points?

Reason I ask is because I have a Dyna III on my bike since years, have read the posts about failure, and considered points as a back up.

But, like repairing a punctured inner tube, I'm thinking the fall back to points might be one of those things that realistically needs a dry run or two in the comfort of the home garage before it can be successfully done on the road in the middle of a trip.

Or, is it really not that complicated?

Regards,

Barron

[moose738]

I've never had a problem with the Dyna III on my R100/7, and a BMW mechanic once told me they have a good rep. If u want some insurance on a long trip, why not take a spar Dyna III along for the ride? It's more $, but u are worth it!

[barron_williams]

Well, that is a really interesting and good point (my opinion) that I hadn't thought of.

And, if you are like me and don't have any of the needed points pieces, cost difference might not be huge. Although I am sure you could watch for nicely priced used pieces to come along. But then, you could probably find a used Dyna as well.

Regards,

Barron

[Polarbear]

All those miles, my Dyna has been perfect. I won't carry points, just fix the Dyna, but it doesn't appear to be a fail issue. First I've heard of 'em failing or talk of it. Randy

[donbmw]

I installed the Dyna III on my R90 back in 85. Have never had any problems other than pinching the wires putting the front cover on. Fixed the wires and still working to this day. I do carry everything that was removed when it was installed just in case. I wish Dyna made a unit for the 1959 TR3. The Petronix Point elimator that I have tryed twice will burn it self up if you live the key turned on with out discounting the sensor when you need power for more than just few minutes.

[krpreston]

I went to a Dyna unit on my '78 R100/7 in 1985 when I dual-plugged it. Unit lasted 15 years until module failed. Got a new Dyna lll that still runs. Have had a spare Dyna unit for over ten years now. No way I'd go back to points

[dpmonk]

Let's see, you will need points, centrifugal advance, back plate and condenser, assuming you are using stock coils. You will need a continuity light to roughly set the timing if it happens on the side of ther road somewhere. I think that is pretty good insurance against getting stranded in the middle of nowhere. I went with an omega because I could leave the points in the bike and make simple wiring change at the coils if necessary.... It was necessary, and it took me about 5 minutes to get back on the road after the electronic ignition failed.

But doesnt the Dyna 111 mount to the centrifugal advance so you don't need a new one right?

[stucknarut]

I just converted from an old Dyna III to points on a /5 after the Dyna blew a second sensor plate, decided to quit messing with it and go riding. The change was a breeze since the Dyna sensor plate used the stock advance. If memory serves you remove the Dyna sensor plate and replace it with the points plate, loosen the set screws that hold the Dyna magnet on the advance shaft and remove it, and check the advance unit to make sure the little metal tabs on the back aren't bent down (the Dyna install instructions says to bend them down to keep it from spreading too far, but that will retard advance with points). Then run the points wires up and connect to the condenser, and disconnect the Dyna from the coil and reconnect the condenser to the coil. I had spark in 15 minutes.

EDIT: this is by no means a criticism of the Dyna III, if and when I go back to electronic ignition they'll be my choice. The tech I called was very knowledgeable and helpful despite me calling on an ancient product and not even being the original owner.

[Polarbear]

My Dyna3 system has been in for about 30 years now, no issues at all and sure no comparison to points. Maybe the newer Dyna's are not as well made. I hope not in China as so much is today! ???Is Dyna3 still available, I have not been shopping lately for it, in only 30 years. I WOULD like to buy another when the time comes, as this has been great for a LOT of miles. Over 300000m on the Dyna3 so far. R100/7 I bought new, Feb.'78. Family heirloom, this bike has become. Randy

[barron_williams]

Brand new Dyna III is $199 from Motorrad Electrik (part way down the page).

http://www.motoelekt.com/ignition.htm

Barron

[James.A]

If you have a bike that came with points, run points. Simpla Fi....

[Air Race Addict]

If you have a bike that came with points, run points. Simpla Fi....

I'm with James on this one. I've had my 78 R100RS since 85 and have changed the points exactly.......... wait for it......... once. @78k. It's no big deal. If you understand how points work and adjust them properly, they work great. And they are cheap insurance on a long road trip. All you need is a small multimeter and a couple of alligator clips for the leads. You are normally going to take a small multimeter with you on a long road trip...... right???? Saved my bacon more than once. You can get the points adjusted down to a gnats behind. Just sayin. That would be my .02 cents worth.