Best magneto for Sportster "CH"?

[Coolbreeze]

I may have to replace my stock Fairbanks-Morris magneto on my '60 CH because of clearance problems. Both Hunt and Morris make a shorter magneto that should work. The Hunt is about $100 cheaper than the Morris. They both use rare earth magnets and claim to be well sealed. BTW, I will not throw away the old mag.

Does anyone have an opinion as to whether the Hunt or the Morris magneto will perform better? I do not intend to run the bike at the drags, but I want it to start and to keep running. I take fairly long trips; so, reliability is important.

So, what should I get: Morris or Hunt?

[mmoore]

I have used both and never had a problem with either. so I would go by price this time. just tune as required and use the correct plugs and wires. I have had bad performance from those skinny tipped plugs. seems that they dont last long so I went back to my ac delcos as I get 3-4 times the life out of them. it starts better with a fat spark. anybody else had plug issues with modern plugs?

[40 Nuck]

Don't the Morris Mags have the advance ring and the Hunt's do not? I know that's what I found on the Knuckle mags, but this may not be the case with the Sportsters. If so, I would recommend the advance ring for easier starts.

[Chris Haynes]

Just out of curiosity, what is the clearance pfoblem?

[joestuff]

Couple of things, as I talked to the Morris people today. They can rebuild your stock for less then a new one. A buddy of mine had his done and is very happy. Both of mine are going in this winter.

Yes, they do make an "impulse" thing that uses a spring to spin the magneto at kick speeds, so you don't have to worry about moving the kicker fast enough to make a spark.

No, it will not fit on Sporsters with most carb options, cause it raises the magneto up a bit. I have had a CV, bendix, SS G and Linkert side bowl on my two sportsters, The bendix is the only one with enough clearance to between the carb and the cap to fit anything. Of course you could make it work somehow...

[Chris Haynes]

Hey Coolbreeze.
Are ya gonna tell us what the clearance problem is?

[Robert Luland]

Just for the hell of it! Fairbank makes the mag. All Morris and hunt do is put there name on it. Morris is only tweanty miles from me and Iv'e had them rebuilt two mags. Great people. Great workmanship. A+. Bob

[Coolbreeze]

Hey Coolbreeze.
Are ya gonna tell us what the clearance problem is?

Sorry it took ~10 years to get back to you, but I have been distracted. The clearance issue is that the CH was bought with a S&S carb that does not leave much room for the mag if an advance plate is inserted between it and the case. I want to manipulate the spark advance with the left handlebar grip, like I do on my '56 H-D KHK and my '48 Chief.

[FNG1]

Hey Coolbreeze, my 67 XLCH had a Hunt magneto with an aftermarket adjustable base and a bored out DC Linkert with no clearance issues. I can't remember the maker but it had a slotted brass and steel plate and a spring to hold it advanced. P3250048 (3).jpg