S&S IST Ignition

[Rollmeaway]

I got reading on the IST Ignition from S&S & I was wondering if anyone on the forum has been using it & what the results are & how it performs. Nay or Yay. Pros & Cons.

[sharkoilfield]

I was having trouble with a DTT based aftermarket ignition; did not get the support I needed to resolve the issue so went with the IST after reading up on it (did not want to waste any more riding season up here)...should have had it in the first place when I had my engine built a few years ago. Best ignition for a carb bike you can get...only one with a knock sensor that I know of; important with todays variety of crap fuel and I need a spark delay for my built 103 when starting...S&S has been around for a while and has some excellent technology...oh yeah; you do have to pay for what you get...

[barny7655]

If set up properly will do what you want every time , as to fuel can be programmed to suit , cheers Barny

[sandrooney]

Got one on my wife's trike 05 RK seems to work great.
SR

[ANNIVERSARY DEUCE]

I installed the IST shortly after buying my '03 carbed Deuce while it was still pure stock. Immediately noticed that it ran much better and got better fuel mileage. Since I have built the engine to 95" with extensive head work, cams, pistons and carb work among other mods. The IST automatically adapts to mods that you make and prevents pre-ignition since it manages timing partly by data from the knock sensor that you install. It's easy to install and the customer service from S&S is very good. Also, look at their website and check out the Guardian system that can be used to monitor what the system is doing in real-time from a notebook computer.

[-JC-1]

I have been running the IST for the past 7 years, works for me.
I went through a phase where I put a Mik 48 on, but the IST picked up the slide rattle and interpreted it as a knock.
I went back to the super g and it was good again

[Buglet]

    Very good ignition, being using them since they came out.

[Rollmeaway]

Eh! Guys ... Thanks for the imput, I am in the midst of doing a 95 build & this ignition was mentioned to me. Once I read it I could see where it's ability to adapt to your riding style & requirements was a plus not to mention the knock sensor.
I just wasn't sure how it performs but from what you all have posted, think its the ticket.
Thanks again

Dare

[rking1550]

I've got one sitting on the shelf, maybe I should give it a try. I'm using the DTT right now without any issues.

[sandrooney]

What year bike is it going on. I have one with about 15,000 miles on it. It came off an 05. There is nothing wrong with it. S&S replaced a motor under warranty and sent me a new one with the new motor.
SR

[Rollmeaway]

Eh! SR  I am on a 2000 FXST

[rking1550]

I believe the units are the same. Just need the right install kit.

[Merc63]

Do most guys favor this IST or DTT ignition and why?

[RevFastEddy]

I have been running a IST for 7 years and it runs great.. I can change carb and cams with no problems or reprogramming.. even going from 95 to 124......  I have run them all, DTT, Crane, Hd and IST is by far the best. Its memory mode learns the bike it is connected to and the fuel it uses, no adjustments necessary..  even with a mikuni....

[turboprop]

I have been running a IST for 7 years and it runs great.. I can change carb and cams with no problems or reprogramming.. even going from 95 to 124......  I have run them all, DTT, Crane, Hd and IST is by far the best. Its memory mode learns the bike it is connected to and the fuel it uses, no adjustments necessary..  even with a mikuni....

This is interesting. Prior to it being posted in their thread I had heard reports of the IST sensing the slide rattle in Mikuni carbs. I take it you have run a Mik successfully with the IST, was it on an Evo to TC engine? What else can you tell us about your experience with IST? I am seriously considering IST for my carb'd TC project.

[Rollmeaway]

Eh! Eddy

Thats good to know now ya mentioned it, When I was reading about the system in the S&S site there was mention of it wont work with the mikuni flatside. It then goes on to say if you want to use it with this carb to contact S&S & they will help ya through the process.

http://www.sscycle.com/uploads/instructions/51-1136_ignition_system_s&s_installation_instructions_for_all_1999-up_carbureted_harley-davidson_twin_cam_88_engines.pdf

I believe the units are the same. Just need the right install kit.

Eh! RKing are you talking you have the module only or the whole enchilada module & harness complete. If you have the complete setup shoot me the model # & ill check it out as to fit. Maybe we can do some business.

[rking1550]

Rollmeaway. I've got every thing but don't wanna sell. I'm might give it a try myself.

As far as S&S helping with using a flat slide carb. It's not worth doing, they disable the knock sensor, kind of defeats the purpose if you ask me. Why pay all that money and disable a key feature/benifiet of it. That's why mine is sitting on the shelf right now, I was using a mikuni carb, But I've gone to a cv carb now so I'm thinking about giving it a try.

[sandrooney]

The moduel is the same you would just need the harness. You can get it through S&S dealer.
SR

[glens]

Why pay all that money and disable a key feature/benifiet of it.

Heh.  That's kind of the way I feel about folks who take a closed-loop Delphi and totally open it up...

[05FLHTC]

Why can't this technology be adapted by EFI or is it already?

[HogMike]

I have one on my 113" EVO, super G........been running this setup for about 5 yrs now, with NO adjustments or issues at all.
Works as advertised on all kinds of crap gas.
I used this bike for long hauls for 3 of those years.
JME

[Rollmeaway]

The moduel is the same you would just need the harness. You can get it through S&S dealer.
SR

If thats the case of disabling the knock sensor ya got a good point no doubt, my problem with that is I like the mikuni LOL. Although the CV Carb worked fine too. Lots to consider.

[Rollmeaway]

I installed the IST shortly after buying my '03 carbed Deuce while it was still pure stock. Immediately noticed that it ran much better and got better fuel mileage. Since I have built the engine to 95" with extensive head work, cams, pistons and carb work among other mods. The IST automatically adapts to mods that you make and prevents pre-ignition since it manages timing partly by data from the knock sensor that you install. It's easy to install and the customer service from S&S is very good. Also, look at their website and check out the Guardian system that can be used to monitor what the system is doing in real-time from a notebook computer.

Eh! Duece

What Carb & cams are you running on your 95"

Heres where I am at so far
95'' - SE 22868 HC pistons - Heads P&P - Mik 42 - 37G cams - S&S Gearset 
(crank 0.001 left side 0.0015 right side) Camplate & high volume pump - going with the S&S adjustable rods & lifters

[RevFastEddy]

I guess having a statement like mikuni might not work sells more S&S carbs...but think of it this way. the knock sensor is listening for a frequency on a sound wave. A click of a carb slide or fingernails tapping on the engine are two different things. Like asking your wife to yell then asking your kid to yell. You can easily tell them apart. Next the mikuni rattle noise only happens at idle.. off idle the slide is sucked back solid. ....Anyway it works and works great...  BTW if you don't want to hear the sound at idle get an Ultima air cleaner made for a mikuni..even comes with jets recommended based on cubic inches and carb used...

Eh! Eddy

Thats good to know now ya mentioned it, When I was reading about the system in the S&S site there was mention of it wont work with the mikuni flatside. It then goes on to say if you want to use it with this carb to contact S&S & they will help ya through the process.

http://www.sscycle.com/uploads/instructions/51-1136_ignition_system_s&s_installation_instructions_for_all_1999-up_carbureted_harley-davidson_twin_cam_88_engines.pdf

I believe the units are the same. Just need the right install kit.

Eh! RKing are you talking you have the module only or the whole enchilada module & harness complete. If you have the complete setup shoot me the model # & ill check it out as to fit. Maybe we can do some business.

[ST40]

My 93" S&S Shovel crate engine came with one, only lasted about 9000 miles.   The techs at S&S said there was almost no field test specs, so just replace it.  That's what I did, and no more issues so far, but not very many miles on the second unit.    Had other issues with the engine, but that's another story.     Marty