Wandering Timing

[Wack]

I fitted a new BGM pick up to a stator but couldn't get a spark so fitted a used Indian one and the scoot started and revs fine but when I come to strobe it the timing flickers between the timing marks. It has the slight advance when held a 2k but then jumps about at higher revs. Alignment between the pick up and Ducati flywheel is fine so would a Vespa pick up help?

[Knowledge]

Vespa pick-ups are always my pick-up of choice. Even second hand ones.

I was chatting with well known scooter journalist yesterday and he said "I hear plenty of stories of BGM stators failing, but when did you last hear of an Indian SIL stator failure?"

There might be some truth in that: At least the Indian stator worked.

[Adam_Winstone]

Hard to know what is a genuine SIL stator is and/or aftermarket, however, whilst I agree that SIL are probably better than aftermarket, I've known a fair few failures of SIL marked stators that have come from a UK dealer that prides themselves on selling genuine SIL sourced parts. Looking at the failure rates of stators in my local club (the guys I ride with) we've had far too many Indian stator failures but I don't know of a single BGM stator failure within the club. It could well be that we have had a BGM stator failure that I'm unaware of but I'm aware of at least 6 Indian stators failing (all LT coil failures, rather than pickup).

BTW... I'm not saying that BGM stators don't fail, I've no doubt that some do, but my experience of Indian (incl. SIL) is nowhere near as good as good. It should be noted that I've never personally needed to buy/run a BGM stator as I've simply upgraded the failed SIL stators given to me by clubmates, which prove very reliable when upgraded to a Vespa, aftermarket Italian (careful though as many are actually not of Italian manufacture!), or BGM LT coil.

NB: I do know of some Indian stators that give very good service... but many that don't.

Adam

[MickYork]

I've had 2 Indian stators fail (branded SIL but who knows !!). I replaced these with BGM and have had no problem for the last 4 years......tempting fate !!

[Knowledge]

I was chatting with well known scooter journalist yesterday and he said "I hear plenty of stories of BGM stators failing, but when did you last hear of an Indian SIL stator failure.

Well, I think we can agree that all stators are prone to failure, but perhaps the interesting point to take from the BGM Vs Indian stator debate is that it is easier to get criticism of a product to stick if the product has a title/name. Perhaps that is why there are so many anonymous spares on the market.

Carry a spare stator kids. You know it makes sense.

[Eden]

One of our lot had a BGM stator fail at LLangollen

[Adam_Winstone]

How many Indian ones?

[Eden]

Non since whitby 2 years ago.

[Wack]

I found an old Vespa stator in my spares so swapped the pick up over and now have steady marks when strobing. Thanks to the Captain who suggested that even though the resistance readings can be fine the diodes inside can be faulty and cause the jumping about.

[Scouse Scooterboy]

Got a problem with my Series 2 (BGM electronic ignition). Was built over a year ago and had problems, so changed the BGM stator for another one. Now when I go out it, it often bogs down and stalls when pulling away at the lights, and sometimes changing down for a roundabout / turning. Checked everything, but thinking its electrical. Is it possible to just swap out the stator from a BGM to a SIL one with the flywheel and other stuff still being BGM?

[bluebob]

did you find out what was causing the problem wack?

[Wack]

Yes it was the pick up box. Interestingly I had to change the pick up in my Lui on Saturday. It gave good readings and the scoot would start but wouldn't rev, almost like a flooding issue.

[Adam_Winstone]

For what it is worth, I just thought I'd update my own statements about never having had a pickup fail... I have now and replacing it cured the misfire under load.

Adam

[dscscotty]

3 on our production class racer this season, low tensions, BGM,

[HxPaul]

Got a problem with my Series 2 (BGM electronic ignition). Was built over a year ago and had problems, so changed the BGM stator for another one. Now when I go out it, it often bogs down and stalls when pulling away at the lights, and sometimes changing down for a roundabout / turning. Checked everything, but thinking its electrical. Is it possible to just swap out the stator from a BGM to a SIL one with the flywheel and other stuff still being BGM?

The answer is yes.MB say that the BGM flywheel can be used with any Lambretta electronic stator.By the way if you haven't got a stator plate yet,you would be advised to get one from SR,then you can be sure that its a genuine SIL.

[NorthernJordan]

Swings and roundabouts.

I've had 2 SIL stators fail and two BGM stators fail (Plus a couple that have been smashed up)

Each 'SIL' stator lasted about 3 weeks, the BGMS ones have lasted about a year to two years.

[HxPaul]

Swings and roundabouts.

I've had 2 SIL stators fail and two BGM stators fail (Plus a couple that have been smashed up)

Each 'SIL' stator lasted about 3 weeks, the BGMS ones have lasted about a year to two years.

If you didn't get the SIL stators from SR they could be copy's.SR are the official UK importer of SIL products,a bit more expensive,but at least you know your getting the proper stuff and not something thats been made in a back street garage and packaged up as SIL.

[NorthernJordan]

Thinking about it one was an AF one and the other was a SIL one, can't recall the source it came from.
I just except that stators do sometimes fail, and carry a spare.

If I'm after SIL parts (some are very good) I use SR without fail.

Jordan

[Rich Oswald]

I have had SIL stators on both my scooters for 18 years and neither of them have ever been touched. Hope I have not tempted fate now!!!

Rich'

[Simon ELC]

I've had several SIL stators fail, mainly low tension coils easily repairable.
But I've also had four BGMs fail. Two of which have simply fallen apart with rivets coming loose. And not from twisted cranks or over vibrating motors.
Also the they don't seem to work properly with Kheper CDIs. Anthony Tambs will explain why. I'm not clever enough. No more 'quality' BGMs for me