Ignitech – Programmable Motorcycle Ignitions
Can I convert my carburettor bike (e.g. 2-stroke) to fuel injection with an Ignitech Ignijet?
Ignitech generally does not recommend converting carburettor bikes to injection; it is a much more difficult job than it seems, and they cannot give tuning advice for two-stroke engines. For such projects, speak with us first so we can check feasibility before you order.
Can I use an Ignitech unit on an engine it has never been tested on (e.g. racing moped with an aftermarket internal-rotor ignition)?
Possibly, but when Ignitech has never tested the unit with your pickup/ignition system, they cannot guarantee it will work. In that case a return would be handled with a restocking fee. We always check with the manufacturer first and tell you before shipping, so you can decide whether to try or cancel.
One cylinder of my two-stroke bike (e.g. Honda NSR250 MC21) misfires at low rpm. Is it the ECU?
It may not be only the ECU. Before replacing it, check the other possible causes (plug caps, coils, pickups, carburation, power valves). If the original ECU is confirmed faulty, Ignitech offers a DCCDIP2 race unit with a plug-and-play connector adapter for this bike.
My bike runs badly with the new Ignitech unit but fine with the old ignition. Why?
A programmable unit must be programmed for your specific bike: the pickup configuration (e.g. one or two pulse generators), the advance curve and the coil settings must match your engine. Check the configuration loaded in the unit, and send us a photo of the connections, the configuration file and a photo of the letters engraved on the Ignitech housing (they identify the hardware variant) so we can check it with the manufacturer.
My new Ignitech unit gives no spark / the engine doesn't start. What information do you need?
Send us (1) photos of the installation and connections, (2) the configuration file loaded in the unit, and (3) a recording of the online monitor while cranking. The Ignitech software has a "Monitor player" function (Tools menu) that records the live monitor to a file; connect the unit to your PC, start recording, crank the engine and send us the file. With this Ignitech can quickly see whether the pickup signal is received and what the unit is doing.
Can I use an Ignitech TCIP4 on a 3-cylinder two-stroke (e.g. Kawasaki KH) with a new pickup system?
Yes. You need a suitable pickup system: Ignitech can supply a pulse rotor (50 or 70 mm diameter) and IP6 inductive pickup, positioned 10° before TDC. The TCIP4 comes with a reduced basic harness, pre-programmed for your bike; the USB/COM cable is recommended. You can use the original ignition coils or Ignitech IC-TCI-S coils. The system works in wasted-spark mode only for the first few revolutions and then switches to fully sequential mode.
What is "base advance" on an Ignitech ignition and how do I set it?
Base advance is the ignition timing when the pickup is at the end of the pulse lobe on the rotor. The unit fires at this point after start and at low rpm (up to the first rpm point of the advance map), which keeps the timing stable at idle. It cannot be changed by software; it is fixed by the physical position of the rotor and pickup on your bike, typically around 10° BTDC (range about 3–22°). You must enter this value in the Ignitech PC software so that the advance map matches the real timing. To determine it: mark the rotor and engine at 25° BTDC, load a map with a flat 25° plateau between 3000...
Do you ship Ignitech units outside Europe (e.g. Japan, USA)?
Yes. We ship worldwide. Because each unit is pre-configured, we first need the make, model and year of your motorcycle and a photo of the existing ignition connector; then we confirm the unit and the total cost including shipping.
Can I use a different crank sensor (e.g. an automotive inductive sensor with a 24-2 wheel) instead of the original pickup?
Ignitech recommends using the original pickup system when possible. If you use another sensor, you must specify exactly whether it is inductive (2 wires) or hall effect (3 wires) and the trigger pattern (e.g. 24-2, 60-2, single lobe), because the unit's input hardware is built for that sensor type.
Do you have a connection harness for the Ignitech Ignijet 12 on a Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird?
Yes. Ignitech units are available to order, always prepared 100% for the customer's bike, and we can make a custom plug-and-play harness for your motorcycle.
How long does it take to receive an Ignitech unit?
Ignitech units are built to order for your bike. After we confirm the specifications, production typically takes about 10 business days, plus shipping.
Can I use ignition coils with an internal igniter (e.g. AEM Smart Coils) with my Ignitech unit?
Yes. Ignitech units can be built with outputs for coils with an internal igniter (5 V falling-edge signal), which gives a much stronger spark overall. For example, the AEM 30-2853 IGBT smart coil works with such a unit. Tell us before ordering, because the unit's outputs must be configured for this coil type.
Should I switch my bike from inductive to capacitive (CDI) ignition to get two maps?
Ignitech does not recommend switching ignition type without a specific reason. Going capacitive means changing the coil connections and using capacitive-type coils. Two maps are available on the programmable/race versions of the correct ignition type for your bike, so stay with the original type.
Can I get a blank, fully programmable Ignitech unit for a custom engine (e.g. custom pickups, 180° firing)?
Yes. Ignitech programmable units (e.g. DCCDI P2, TCIP) can be supplied as generic units that you wire and program yourself with the Ignitech software. Send us the pinout you plan to use, the pickup type and the number of cylinders so we can confirm the right hardware variant. For common bikes, Ignitech recommends ordering the unit with the bike-specific connector adapter, because most problems come from self-made connections.
Can an Ignitech Ignijet control a turbo wastegate or boost?
The Ignijet has no dedicated wastegate/intake pressure control, so the turbo should use a mechanical (actuator) wastegate. Ignitech also needs details of the engine before confirming compatibility: variable cam timing, ignition coils, pickup system and throttle body (drive-by-wire systems are not controlled by the Ignijet).
Which Ignitech Ignijet version do I need, and what functions does it have (e.g. Honda CBR1100XX)?
The Ignijet 05 drives up to 4 injectors, has one map and no launch control. The Ignijet 12 is the better choice for bigger engines; it is supplied with a plug-and-play connector adapter and works with the original dashboard. It comes in versions: A (basic, no race functions), C (adds quickshifter and gear shift light) and D (no limitations: launch control/start limiter, pit speed limiter, N2O control, etc.). Some functions, such as boost control, are only available in version D.
Can I use an Ignitech TCIP4 on a car engine with a 60-2 trigger wheel and wasted-spark coil pack?
Yes, it can be configured for a 60-2 wheel with an inductive (VR) sensor and wasted-spark outputs. For the initial setting Ignitech needs a photo or sketch of the pickup and trigger wheel at TDC position.
I am converting a fuel-injected bike (e.g. BMW R850R, HP2, Ural EFI) to carburettors. Can an Ignitech unit handle the ignition?
Yes. Ignitech can supply a TCIP4 modified for the original pickup system (for example BMW 60-2 crank wheel or hall sensors on older BMW boxers), pre-programmed to run with carburettors, plus a reduced basic harness (pickup, +12 V, ground and coils). We need exact photos of the pickup system you will use. If you later change sensors, the unit may need reprogramming or replacement, so send photos of your final setup before ordering.
My single-cylinder bike (e.g. Yamaha XT600) starts badly and won't idle; I suspect the CDI. Which Ignitech unit do you recommend?
If you only want reliable starting and idle (not extra performance), the non-programmable DCCDI is enough; the programmable DCCDIP lets you adjust the curve later. The unit is supplied with the same connector as the original, pre-programmed for your bike. You only need to connect one extra wire to a +12 V key-switched supply.
Should I choose the Ignitech Sparker Racing 3 or the TCIP4 for my classic bike (e.g. Yamaha XV1000/Virago, Honda CB500)?
For most road and classic bikes the programmable TCIP4 is the recommended choice, and it is cheaper. We have installed it successfully on a Virago. The racing versions are only worth it if you need race functions such as launch control, powershift/quickshifter or two maps. Send us photos of the stock ignition unit and connectors and we will prepare a plug-and-play unit with a base map.