This Compass system replaces your points or electronic 'ignition in the can' (Sometimes called the bean can ignition). It delivers precise timing, easy starting, improved throttle response and an accurate advance curve all in a maintenance free upgrade.

See the Compass Ignition installed on a R100 WWII replica BMW sidecar outfit on our News Articles page

We call this the Compass system because the triggering rotor has two points like a compass! The unique shape drives the timing accuracy you would expect from an electronic ignition.

The control box is designed with reliability in mind including high levels of voltage spike protection.

• Reverse polarity protected
• Spike protected to hundreds of volts
• Continuous overvoltage protected
• Pickup inputs protected

It is designed to take anything the bike can throw at it.

One of our local customers, Mark, has been enjoying the improvements for a while now on his restored 1979 BMW R100R.  He was so impressed with the system that he replaced a 12-month-old Dyna III system with the Compass ignition to get the advantages like not using the old mechanical advance unit with all its related problems. Mark said "you can see the build quality and the thought that went into it" and "The quality fittings and robust wiring loom that exactly fits the application."  Mark found it quick to install with the easy-to-follow instructions.  Once installed, he found the bike "easier to start, idles beautifully and the motor is much stronger across the rev range". 

The pickup unit that replaces the points plate is made by us in South Australia using extreme temperature safe components. Materials like the 300-degree Celsius magnet rating, 200 C winding wire, machined aluminium frame and backing plate along with silicone lead wire gives this part the generous ratings it needs for a happy life inside the hot engine environment.

The tiny control box (also made in South Australia) is easy to hide under the fuel tank and it is fully sealed against vibration and moisture. It uses a high-speed processor to generate the accurate timing required for coil saturation and the advance curve.

Improved reliability, maintenance free and better performance in an easy to install package - the Compass System for your BMW ticks all the boxes!

An ignition system for people who love to ride their BMW!

We recommend Dual Output High Performance Coil (Dyna Style) with leads and caps to go with the Compass Ignition for your BMW.

For BMWs with Twin Plug Heads, we recommend two Dual Output High Performance Coil (Dyna Style) 1.5 OHM , leads and caps

If you have the electronic can, DO NOT use the OEM original coils supplied with the bike. We recommend Dual Output High Performance Coil (Dyna Style) Coil with leads and caps.  Use of incompatible coils will burn out the electronics box.

Note: This system suits late 1970's to 90's era bikes manufactured when BMW started using the 'ignition in the can' or bean can style ignition units (see last photograph). If you do NOT have an "ignition can" on the front of your engine you will need to use our other BMW ignition. Please contact us if you need further information about compatibility.

This system is available for two spark plugs per cylinder. Select the 'Twin Spark Plugs Per Head' option from the drop down menu below. We recommend two Dual Output High Performance Coil (Dyna Style) 1.5 OHM for the Twin Plug Heads.

CS-0065, CS-0066 (Twin Plug Heads)

BMW Twin late 1970s, 1980 - 1996 with the ignition in the can

Points Ignition in the can- R45, R45N, R45T/N, R60TIC, R60/7, R65, R65/T, R75/7, R80, R80TIC, R100/7T, R100T, R100CS, R100RS, R100RT, R100S.  

Electronic ignition in the can- R45, R45N, R45T/N, R65, R65 20KW, R65 35KW, R65GS, R65LS, R65RT, R65T, R80, R80 85-87, R80G/S, R80GS, R80GS PD, R80R, R80R Mystik, R80RT,  R80ST, R100/7T, R100/T, R100CS, R100GS,  R100GS PD, R100R, R100R Mystik, R100RS, R100RT, R100TIC

Compass Ignition for BMW Twins 1980 - 1996 Instruction Booklet

Compass Ignition for BMW Twin Plug Heads 1980 - 1996 Instruction Booklet