Before Installing:
1. Make sure you have a good running engine to begin with! You don't want to end up chasing your tail trying to troubleshoot a problem that has nothing to do with the ignition.
2. Setting the timing requires patience and an understanding that the system is precise and requires some trial and error to get right. Once set correctly, it will probably never have to be readjusted. That's the beauty of an electronic ignition!
3. Make sure your battery is fully charged prior to installation.
4. Get a good quality test light. Do NOT attempt to set the timing with a dynamic timing light, this will damage the triggers and void the warranty.
5. It is recommended to replace spark plugs and caps as well as upgrading to 5 ohm high output coils available here.
6. Honda CB/CL450K twins pre 1969 REQUIRE a Charlie's Place regulator / rectifier available here. For models 1969 and later it is HIGHLY recommended to replace the stock regulator and rectifier with a modern combination unit, available here.
7. If after reviewing the installation instructions and videos where applicable you feel this job would be better suited to a professional mechanic please contact a local shop about doing the installation prior to purchase.
Installation Instructions:
1. Power must be off.
2. Disconnect negative terminal from battery.
3. Remove existing points and condensers.
4. At this point you can observe your spark advancer. Check the number on the base of the spark advance unit. After removing the existing steel rotor, remove any shim washers at the base of the advancer shaft as shown in figure A. Orient the new rotor on “CB450” type advancers as shown in figure B. Orient the new rotor on “292” or “375” advancer types as shown in figure C.
Please note: not all advancers from the factory were manufactured exactly the same and yours may be 180 degrees different than the picture shown. Pictures show one magnet position, yours may be opposite.
Figure A
Figure B
Figure C (Advancer could have 292 stamped on it)
5. To install the plate, position it as shown in the photo below.
6. Hook up all the wires for the ignition: Yellow into Left side coil, Blue into Right side coil.
7. Disconnect the Black lead from the Left coil where it plugs into the wiring harness.
8. Plug the Black power wire (coming from the Left coil) into the female "pig tail" coupler on the wire branching from the ignition (Black) wire.
9. Plug the male coupler of this same wire (coming from the ignition) into the female coupler coming from the wiring harness where the left side coil was plugged in.
10. Do NOT attempt to set your timing using a dynamic timing light. It will damage the triggers if the ignition plate is loose/loosened while the bike is running. This will cause a ground failure that will short the capacitors inside the triggers. A dynamic timing light may be used to check advance only. If adjustment is necessary, turn power off before making any adjustments or loosening the screws that hold the ignition plate on.
11. With the power still off, connect a test light in parallel with the yellow wire for the left coil.
12. Ground the other side of the test light to the motor by clipping it to an unpainted surface.
13. Check to ensure that the magnet on the rotor is not facing either pick up before turning power on.
14. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the power on.
15. Rotate the rotor that's on the end of a crankshaft with a 14mm wrench to check the timing. Do NOT turn the 10mm bolt on the end of the camshaft to do this. The test light will remain bright until roughly 60 degrees before the magnet reaches the center of the trigger. At this point the light will go dim. When the light comes on bright again, check the position of your "LF" mark on the crankshaft rotor. This is the point at which you should set your timing. The light should come on at the "LF" mark. If adjustment is necessary, rotate the entire ignition plate to set the timing for the Left side pick up
16. Check the timing for the Right pick up using the same method. The test light now plugs into the Blue side, and the light should come on at the "F" mark. If adjustment is necessary, loosen the pick up with the provided Allen wrench and carefully reposition it.
17. After your timing is set, carefully reinstall your points cover. If it does not seem to be fitting well, don't force it. Breaking the trigger cover will compromise the integrity of the unit and void any warranty.
Installation support available by calling Charlie's Place (818) 550-0600 or emailing