NB: These instructions are given for guidance only and cannot engage the author's liability in the event of misinterpretation, failure to assess the vehicle's actual condition and/or non-conformity, unsuitable mechanical practice or the use of inappropriate tools. All systems are tested before shipping; it is recommended that this system be installed by a competent professional. Redax Laverda and its agent JLO-Tech cannot be held liable for any damage caused during installation.
Installation guide for the combined Redax / Ignitech ignition + alternator system for Laverda triples. Below is a summary of the procedure; the full illustrated manual (photos, wiring diagrams, Ignitech TCIP4 software reference) can be downloaded at the bottom of the page, in French and English.
Removing the original ignition
- Remove the alternator cover and straighten the lock-washer tab behind the alternator nut. Note: this nut is left-hand threaded. Remove the nut.
- Remove the alternator flywheel with a puller (external thread 45.0 × 1.5 mm).
- Remove the alternator stator / ignition plate (2 screws) and the Bosch ignition rotor (small Allen screw).
- Disconnect and pull the wiring through the alternator-cover tunnel (almost the whole harness will be replaced). The airbox and starter may be removed for easier access. Take the opportunity to check the starter freewheel.
- Offer the new rotor onto the crankshaft to check it slides and turns freely; carefully dress any burr with a fine file. Replace the crankshaft oil seal if it leaks.
Fitting the new stator and rotor
- Fit the new ignition stator (supplied Allen screws + washers), with the cable-relief slot positioned as shown, the wire passed on the correct side and the cut-out facing up. 1000s from 1973-1975 have a different crankcase thickness — state the year; an adapted stator is available.
- Insert the rotor on the crankshaft stub (do not tighten), refit the nut so the crankshaft can be turned during timing.
Wiring (HT coils, alternator, regulator)
- Coils: 1000s originally Bosch BTZ (1979-1980) can keep their coils if the plug leads are good. Bosch HKZ models (1973-1978) need new HT coils: ideally Nology 3 Ω Pro-Fire (45,000 V, European equivalent PVL), or second-hand Japanese TEK MP-08 (twin) and KP-03 (single).
- Alternator: route the cables through the tunnel (ignition cable first, then the 3 yellow alternator wires). The order of the 3 yellow wires is irrelevant (three-phase charging). Seat the pins fully in the Deutz connector before clipping in the green lock wedge.
- Regulator: black wire to earth, red wire to battery + via a 25 A fuse. Mount the three-phase regulator in a ventilated but sheltered spot (rear mudguard). Former Bosch BTZ bikes simply replace the old two-phase regulator (same location).
- Ignition: box earth to battery –; +12 V supply via the original wire (white/orange) from the kill switch, connected to the free plug on the coil red wires.
Ignition timing (Hall-effect sensor)
Set the engine very precisely to TDC on cylinders 1 and 3 (dial gauge or piston stop, ± 0.2 mm — see the degree-disc method in the manual). The system uses wasted spark: the stroke of the measured cylinder does not matter.
- Ignition on, gently turn the rotor to bring the "S" mark towards the rear sensor: the red LED lights.
- Continue gently towards the "N" mark until the LED goes out. At the exact point it goes out, tighten the rotor locking screws (Loctite 243, medium strength).
- If in doubt, go right back to "S" before starting again.
Check the spark on all 3 cylinders, plugs earthed. The Ignitech box is pre-programmed for a 180° Laverda triple (road use). Recommended total advance: 30-32° (high compression), 32-35° (low compression: 3C/3CE/3CL).
Refitting the alternator
- Position the alternator-stator carrier on the ignition stator, fit the cable clamp, taking care not to pinch the ignition cable.
- Slide on the alternator rotor, align the key, tighten the outer nut (left-hand thread), fold over the lock washer.
- Check the cables are clear of the rotor. With the engine at ~4000 rpm, battery voltage should be ~14.5 V.
A puller is supplied to extract the alternator rotor (future work): never screw its bolts more than 4 turns into the rotor, or the windings will be damaged.
Ignitech TCIP4 software
The box (SPARKER TCIP4) is fully PC-programmable (advance curves, dwell, cut-outs, limiter, quickshift, multifunction outputs…). Software is downloaded from the Ignitech website. The full connector pinout, wiring diagram and detailed software menus are in the PDF manual below.
📄 Full illustrated manual: English version (PDF) · French version (PDF)