early mag systems

[Bevel bob]

Motobi 175 Catria, !959/60 ,Hi all , I have aquired Laurie Richardsons Catria and would like to know more about the ignition system thats probably orriginal . The system is probably CEV and will work without a battery just about. Do we have anyone with knowlege of this system which is probably similar to the early Ducati two strokes ?.

[Jordan]

I don't know if I can help as I've never heard of a Motobi Catria, but I could have a crack at it.
Please supply what info you have, for example:

Close up photos of generator components, installed and apart.
Photos of any other charging system parts.
Wiring diagrams, or sketches of your layout - connections, switches.
Anything printed or stamped on components - horn, control boxes, generator.
Repair manual.

[ranton_rambler]

Are you in the IMOC Bob?
There are some really knowledgeable guys in that club for these small Italian bikes.
They will have a stand at Stafford Show in 3 weeks if you’re planning to go.
Ian

[Bevel bob]

Hi Guys ,Not yet got into the bike ,but soon ! ,yes i will be at stafford and will lookup that club. Bike apparently has a battery but does not need it to run and have lights of some sort!.

[ranton_rambler]

If you find the IMOC stand, try Tiggy or Stu. Tiggy has some Motobis I think, and Stu is very clued-up all round.
I’ll be upstairs with Guzzi club. Red loop-frame will be mine.

[Bevel bob]

The Motobi started up with a couple of kicks after 6 years in the shed. Battery dead after being left so long . The only issues we found are control levers with too big a handspan, fixed footrests with rocking gear lever too high .Center stand far too high .

[Bevel bob]

I have a couple of secondhand small coils ,any idea how i test them to see if they are suitable for a flywheel mag system? probably AC?

[Jordan]

Try them, or just buy some new Chinese coils made for AC ignitions.

[Bevel bob]

Hi Jordan, I have meters etc that can check resistance and current so any data would be helpfull. I have long ago worked out that we should not be supporting the Chinese , Russian , North Korean or Iranian economies and endeavour to aviod doing so.

[Jordan]

Please supply what info you have, for example:

Close up photos of generator components, installed and apart.
Photos of any other charging system parts.
Wiring diagrams, or sketches of your layout - connections, switches.
Anything printed or stamped on components - horn, control boxes, generator.
Repair manual.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Nyp7LGG4B2A