Question? Crank Sensor

[shovelcowboy]

In what year (and what models) did BDM change from Cam old style to Crank Sensor type ignition and was it a good move?

Also does BDM use all the sensors on the motor that are used with the S&S Intelligent Spark Technology "IST" ignition module (ie head temp, MAP, and Knock sensor)?

Thanks, Shovelcowboy

 

[lee]

not sure on the first question but the answer to the second question (re all the sensors) is no.

 

[Raywood]

In what year (and what models) did BDM change from Cam old style to Crank Sensor type ignition and was it a good move?

Also does BDM use all the sensors on the motor that are used with the S&S Intelligent Spark Technology "IST" ignition module (ie head temp, MAP, and Knock sensor)?

Thanks, Shovelcowboy

05 they started using the crank sensor with all the new 117s. Not so sure about the special order optional 117 in 04! I like it better than the other system. It's simple but lacks adjustment. But the IST would fix that!!

They don't use the IST system for what ever reason but if you contact HDLarry by pm or check his thread out on this system as he put in his bike last year.
Supposed to be real good.

 

[bdmridgeback]

I bought the Thunder-Heart programmable ignition kit and love it. It uses the crank sensor and you can fully program it with a laptop. Here is some more info on it:

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/7950-how-upgrading-thunder-heart-ignition-module.html

 

[shovelcowboy]

not sure on the first question but the answer to the second question (re all the sensors) is no.

Thanks to all for the info!

So am I understanding correctly that BDM ONLY uses the crank sensor through their proprietary ignition on the S&S 117's? What did they do with the holes for the other sensors? (I don't have a Big Dog dealer close by to just go look for myself).

Thanks, Shovelcowboy

 

[V]

The heads have a hole in each for two of the sensors. One has a screw in plug the other is open (no plug) but does not allow anything to get into it. Both are hidden behind the coil cover.

 

[Raywood]

You will also notice they've eliminated the cam cover plate and got to a one piece.

 

[lee]

I'm not too sure whether the other popular aftermarket ignition kits use all those sensors either - could be wrong.

You can have a little look at this which might help a bit.

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/4390-s-s-ist-ignition.html

 

[shovelcowboy]

I'm not too sure whether the other popular aftermarket ignition kits use all those sensors either - could be wrong.

You can have a little look at this which might help a bit.

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/4390-s-s-ist-ignition.html

So it sounds like S&S could sell BDM the motors but couldn't get them to buy into the IST ignition. I wonder why?

Shovelcowboy

 

[rhinoevans]

Price!

 

[Gas Man]

Yeah, in 05 they went to the crank sensor... I myself when I did a new aftermarket ignition I ditched the crank sensor and went back to the ignition in the cam cover with the cam pickup. I don't like sensor and want less of it on my bike.

 

[bdmridgeback]

The crank sensor ignitions are more accurate and you do not need a timing light to get them set up right. It does help to have a laptop with a slight bit of computer literacy to set the curves.

The failure rate on the crank sensors are very very low, so you shouldn't have to worry about any issues.