250R: CDI options (Dyna, Ricks, TRX, CR) - Opinions/experience?

[Dammit!]

I've been contemplating an upgrade to the CDI for a long time and was just doing some searching and wanted to get some opinions.

1) I found several posts at various forums claiming the Dyna product is junk and unreliable (saw two posts that claimed the Dyna made their TRX run BACKWARDS... lol). Disappointing if true because they are easily obtainable. However, one guy claimed it was nothing more than a CDI with a stock 1989 TRX timing curve. Anyone know if that's true?

2) Anybody ever try a 1989 TRX CDI and notice any kind of difference? If so, how would you describe the difference it makes? Pros and cons?

3) One post I saw seemed to claim a CR250 CDI would work but after looking at some pics, it definitely wouldn't be a plug in and go type of mod. Any truth to this at all? Doesn't seem like it.

4) There's a "Rick's HOT SHOT SERIES" brand CDI on ebay that I never heard of before. Any experience with those?

[Dammit!]

Bump!

All your base are belong to us!

[Dammit!]

One last time...

[cr500=3wheeler]

esr makes a bolt on cr250 ignition but you lose lights.

[Tecate250]

Some cdis need to be grounded to the frame where anoher wire would come from. I did this with my tecate. I too am in need of a cdi box. Running a 1983 atc 250r one on there now. It works but it seems to hesatate on the high side.

[Tecate 50]

Have you tryed looking into a PVL ignition. You can purchase one at Penton Racing! Just a thought....but kind of pricy!

[MagicJames]

He said CDI not ignition

[Tecate 50]

Not sure if that post was for me, but the PVL is the CDI!

[TeamGeek6]

Electrical engineer that can design the whole system says:

1.) "saw two posts that claimed the Dyna made their TRX run BACKWARDS... lol"

that IS possible. Ive modified car ignitions that were hotter and the dang thing DID run backwards. If it gets enough fire well before TDC while kick starting- backwards it goes. Sounds
strange too.... cant miss it.

2.) changing CDis is more or less meaningless. The CDI does not make energy, it just switches it. If you want more grunt, the stator, CDI and ignition coil ALL have to be modified/changed.
Higher energy stator windings (impossible on the stock 250R as the stator poles are wound full already, theres no more room for wire) the capacitor has to be changed to store more power... big hairy mess. Then the whole system has to be TUNED. Been there, done that and if its hot enough, you risk breaking an ankle when it fires. Been hurt by that...

Short story- just bolting on another CDi doesnt do anything useful except give a new connector.

A car ignition box CAN make the system produce more spark energy because it has 12 volts to work with. In a magneto system like on our ATVs it doesnt work that way.

3.) Timing advance? There isnt any in the 250R. It only appears to advance because the ignition cycle time is fixed, while the crank rotation time changes.

Smoke, mirrors to sell you aftermarket parts./

[aldochina]

i just saw a little expo on Ricks eloctonics products on an off road show on tv the other night. Pretty good show, and Ricks seems to be a great product!! They stand behind there product 100% , atleast thats what they say in the episode!

[tecat-z]

Oem, complete ESR cr swap, or PVL. Everything else is garbage thats made in china. Regardless if they stand behind it. THEY aren't the ones stuck in 90degree heat in the middle of nowhere cussing cause you lost spark....... You want reliability. The ESR and PVL include everything for the upgrade, and it's top quality stuff.