Motorcycle Ignition Coils

The engine of your bike needs a spark generated at the correct time to keep the internal combustion process going smoothly. This is why your motorcycle comes with a complex ignition system that consists of spark plugs, plug wires, ignition coil, and many other components, all working together to guarantee a timely spark in engine cylinders. The function of an ignition coil is to convert low 6 or 12V power it takes from your bike's battery to about 25,000 Volts at a plug. This helps jump a spark plug gap and generate a spark that is powerful enough for efficient combustion.

Ignition coils have existed since the invention of the first internal combustion engine. They have come a long way from those heavy and massive oil/asphalt filled coils used in older bikes to compact resin filled plastic units used by virtually all manufacturers these days. But while ignition coils have advanced a lot during the last decades the principle of their operation has remained pretty the same. An ignition coil is comprised of two coils of wire coiled around a central iron core. The first coil is called a primary one, and the second one is respectively a secondary one. The coils are housed in an insulated container which protects them from the elements and helps avoid short circuits.

The secondary coil usually has dozens of times more turns than a primary one so it can produce many volts in a flash. When current from a battery passes through the primary coil off to the ground, the iron core performs as an electromagnet generating a magnetic field. When a sudden interruption in the power supply occurs, it causes the magnetic field to collapse. This rapidly generates high voltage inside the secondary coil. The voltage created in the secondary coil then goes to the spark plug. The amount of voltage created by an ignition coil depends on the ratio between the number of turns primary and secondary coils make.

There are two basic types of motorcycle ignition systems: a contact points system where the ignition point is controlled via mechanical contact points and a more advanced fully electronic system. The first system uses a magneto or battery to feed the primary coil and contact points that open and close constantly to help convert low voltage into high-voltage. But since they are actuated mechanically via a rotating cam, contact points are highly exposed to wear, which significantly compromises the ignition timing. Today most modern ignition systems don’t use contact points. Instead, they feature a transistor igniter to control the ignition coil. Better still, fully electronic ignition systems don’t use any distributor to send voltage to the spark plug. The process of voltage distribution is performed electronically inside the igniter.

Today’s ignition coils are designed to provide long-lasting service life. However, damage to the housing, problems with your motorcycle’s electrical system, etc., may cause your ignition coil to fail. If your motorcycle is not starting or burns more fuel than it usually does or you notice a rough idle, loss in horsepower and acceleration, or any other engine issues, these can be the signs that your ignition coil does not produce enough voltage for proper ignition of the fuel/air mixture. Looking to replace your faulty ignition coils to make your engine perform at its peak. Look no further than our extensive selection of motorcycle ignition coils made by the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Crafted from the highest-grade materials using the latest technology, they provide exceptional performance and longevity.