Wedgetail Ignition

[monoi]

I must be the unlucky guy who got a faulty wedgetail control unit...it was replaced by motobins with no quibble.

The bike runs well but I'm not sure I would be able to tell the difference with the original 30yrs system. Confirmation bias and all that.

 

[robertotoole]

I must be the unlucky guy who got a faulty wedgetail control unit...it was replaced by motobins with no quibble.

The bike runs well but I'm not sure I would be able to tell the difference with the original 30yrs system. Confirmation bias and all that.

The first one I got was faulty. They sent a replacement to me next day.

I bet they tried to fix it and then sent it out to you!

Depending on a small company on the other side of the world is a bit of a risk. But as someone said, we can always go back to the original system if necessary. I've got three spare bean cans and numerous control modules, accumulated over the years, including an Enduralast system that turned out to be little better than the original. Definitely not a "halo effect" in my case (something new must be better than something old). My bike has had a really hard life, and the other ignition systems were definitely not up to that kind of use. So far the Wedgetail is proving to be a big improvement, especially in cold weather.

 

[Nin]

By way of comparison I fitted a Slient Hektik unit to a Guzzi. I eventually got it working but after many, many good Anglo-Saxon words were expended.

Fitting the Wedgetail units was a waaaay better experience.

 

[SteveHop]

By way of comparison I fitted a Slient Hektik unit to a Guzzi. I eventually got it working but after many, many good Anglo-Saxon words were expended.

Fitting the Wedgetail units was a waaaay better experience.

Yes the setup of wedgetail looks quite
easy.

 

[mikeyboy]

For years ,I fitted the seimens/ Emerald Isle system as a go to.
They had reliability issues due to ( I believe).
Supply chain switch to china.
Motorworks had huge problems as the primary distributor.
Wedgetail was set up to fill this gap in the market with a high quality system.
The rest of this is hearsay.
I’m under the understanding that the chap that started wedgetail died.
I’m also given the impression that supply chains have changed.
I’ve Never experienced any issues with the units and I fit at least 1 per week and have done for @4 years.
That said I’ve heard of two issues with the control modules.
Which motobins have resolved straight away.
Hopefully that is an end to quality control problems which can occur with any electronic components.

 

[Gelandestrasse]

I used to follow Mike Morrissey on Facebook as he had a series of videos on Airhead maintenance and repair; he had a workshop in Brisbane. He had a visiting Magpie which almost became a pet. He conceived the Wedgetail (Magpie) ignition and did a lot of prototype testing prior to product release. Early systems suffered from issues but these were quickly overcome but not quick enough for faulty systems to be distributed world-wide. But that was some time ago. He sorted the returns/improvement before he sadly passed. Who runs the Wedgetail ignition now I don't know. Further info:

About Wedgetail Ignition Systems Europe

A group of Australian riders and technicians banded together to develop the best, most efficient and reliable digital ignition upgrade for the 247 series BMW Airhead motorcycle.

www.wedgetail.eu

Wedgetail Systems Australia | Features

wedgetailsystems.com.au

 

[SteveHop]

I decided not to go with Wedgtail ignition.

 

[dogshome]

Silent Hektik here too. Using the ignition only set is a faff as you have to fix the small timing wheel (throwing star) using the alternator bolt. Probably not bad with a flywheel in the right position (which mine isn't)....

With the larger diameter alternator kit, it's very easy to set.

You do get a very good idle and around-town pootling is much improved.

 

[Vulpine2]

I used to follow Mike Morrissey on Facebook as he had a series of videos on Airhead maintenance and repair; he had a workshop in Brisbane. He had a visiting Magpie which almost became a pet. He conceived the Wedgetail (Magpie) ignition and did a lot of prototype testing prior to product release. Early systems suffered from issues but these were quickly overcome but not quick enough for faulty systems to be distributed world-wide. But that was some time ago. He sorted the returns/improvement before he sadly passed. Who runs the Wedgetail ignition now I don't know. Further info:

I had an email conversations with Wedgetail a few years ago, dealing with a helpful chap by the name of Langdon. I emailed them again more recently and again got a reply from Langdon - I suspect he may well be running the company now.

 

[robertotoole]

I had an email conversations with Wedgetail a few years ago, dealing with a helpful chap by the name of Langdon. I emailed them again more recently and again got a reply from Langdon - I suspect he may well be running the company now.

It was Langdon who helped me too. Very good.

 

[MikeH101]

Resurrecting this thread...
Does anyone know what's happening with Wedgetail? There have been comments on f/b about the company closing or not but nothing definite.
I enquired at Motobins a few weeks ago to be told they didn't intend to sell them anymore only to see two available in the last week. I was too late to order one and there are now none available on their website. I spoke to Motobins again this morning and was told they sold the last stock items and will not be restocking. Wedgetail may be available from the EU distributor but that would attract import duty.
So it would appear Wedgetail are no longer available in the UK, unless someone can advise otherwise

 

[Bubb]

Resurrecting this thread...
Does anyone know what's happening with Wedgetail? There have been comments on f/b about the company closing or not but nothing definite.
I enquired at Motobins a few weeks ago to be told they didn't intend to sell them anymore only to see two available in the last week. I was too late to order one and there are now none available on their website. I spoke to Motobins again this morning and was told they sold the last stock items and will not be restocking. Wedgetail may be available from the EU distributor but that would attract import duty.
So it would appear Wedgetail are no longer available in the UK, unless someone can advise otherwise

Well that’s sad news, as I found the wedgetail unit easy to fit, and it worked very well on my ST hybrid.
Easy starting ( well, once I replaced the original box he starter motor with a nippon denso starter) …
I’d fit another wedgetail to my basic if/when I get problems….

 

[Vulpine2]

I exchanged emails with Langdon at Wedgetail only a month ago. Still in production and happy to ship direct to Australia/New Zealand (and presumably via distributors in the EU/USA).
If there is no longer an official UK distributor it may be that he will ship here direct? Did Motobins clarify why they were discontinuing?

 

[MikeH101]

I exchanged emails with Langdon at Wedgetail only a month ago. Still in production and happy to ship direct to Australia/New Zealand (and presumably via distributors in the EU/USA).
If there is no longer an official UK distributor it may be that he will ship here direct? Did Motobins clarify why they were discontinuing?

This is the message I from Motobins (editted) 'Unfortunately we will not be getting anymore of the wedgetail ignitions as we are just selling what we have and are then stopping selling them as they are not a very profitable product for us.'

 

[mikeyboy]

Wedgetail were my goto favourite.
I’ll be fitting a tri spark from motorworks next week.
Will report back

 

[MikeH101]

Wedgetail were my goto favourite.
I’ll be fitting a tri spark from motorworks next week.
Will report back

I'll be interested to learn from your experience. The main attraction of the Wedgetail for me was the ease of fitting & setting up. The Trispark seems more complex, involving dismantling the bean can and fitting the new sensor. No 'self set up' with the Trispark as well.
But lower cost.

 

[Vulpine2]

This is the message I from Motobins (editted) 'Unfortunately we will not be getting anymore of the wedgetail ignitions as we are just selling what we have and are then stopping selling them as they are not a very profitable product for us.'

I did wonder if cost might be a factor - not exactly cheap, slim profit margins

 

[DrFarkoff]

I did wonder if cost might be a factor - not exactly cheap, slim profit margins

To be honest There is nothing in them £500 for an ignition system ???

Sorry! But Fuck that! Someone was getting the arm in!!

I used to chat with Mark Morrisey quite often (Till the old bugger kicked it, Never even said he was ill ! )!

Langdon was more behind the scenes with the elec-Techy bits

Mine was substantially less!

Then Motobins took the agency and Le Merde a Frappe le ventilator!!

Doubled in price overnight !

I used to get a LOAD of stuff of Motobins when Steve Scriminger was there

And then when he left I gave my orders to Beatrice a couple of times and they were Fucked up No Apology

Sent it all Back and eventually got the refund and never ordered from them again !¬ No intention of ever buying from them again!

 

[Wierpig]

I was in Brisbane recently so decided to visit Marks old workshop where the wedgetail was conceived. Its now called Airhead revival. Or was. Its a car garage now as the owner retired due to illness.

 

[MikeH101]

As a follow up I have contacted Wedgetail AU and the EU distributor. Had a very quick response from EU confirming they can ship to UK and offer a competitive price for the 'landed' product (i.e. taxed). However, they are concerned about ongoing support and will get back to me about this.
No response from AU, yet.