MSD Total Loss - Should I purchase one?

Ben Fredenburg

Ben Fredenburg

Location
Michigan
Hi guys,

I recently purchased a 2010 Rickter FS-2 with the intentions to upgrade the current 701 to a larger cc motor (Dasa 950, XS900, or a 781cc from Jet Maniac). Right now, the motor is pretty much stock. It's compression is around 183 per cylinder, b-pipe, and stock electronics. I'm considering a total loss for the ski; however, I really do not know anything about it. I have a 96 Superjet that needs new electronics. I was going to put the electronics that's in the Rickter into the Superjet and replace the Rickter's with a total loss.

Questions are:

1) What are the gains with a total loss vs. stock electronics? i.e. total loss with a 701 vs. larger cc motor.
2) What's upkeep/ maintenance like with a non-charging system?
3) What's a good thread to learn more about the total loss?
 
MTRHEAD

MTRHEAD

Location
MotorCity
MSD total loss is awesome. Never had a failed unit in 15+years

Gain: Awesome snap

Keys to success:
Good ground - GOOD SOLID GROUNDS!!!!!
Always disconnect negative on battery when finished riding
 
37

37

Precipitation Hardened
Location
Indy
Once programmed and dialed in for your setup, the only major upkeep with a total loss is charging the battery every 10~20 5 hours of riding. If you ride on weekends then charge during the week and disconnect the negative (or run an on/off switch) like @MTRHEAD suggested.

Edit: Looks like MSD claims 4-6 hours of runtime depending on how many times you start your ski.
 
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S

SuperJet15

Location
Central PA
37 said:
Once programmed and dialed in for your setup, the only major upkeep with a total loss is charging the battery every 10~20 hours of riding. If you ride on weekends then charge during the week and disconnect the negative (or run an on/off switch) like @MTRHEAD suggested.
Click to expand...

Can you really get 10-20 hours per charge? I would have thought much less.
 
37

37

Precipitation Hardened
Location
Indy
You're right. Looks like MSD claims 4~6 hours (link) depending on how many times you use the starter. IIRC it'll drop a cylinder if the battery gets too low so you have enough to get home.
 
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Superjetjim

Superjetjim

X-
fischer550 said:
Why are you supposed to disconnect the negative after riding? I have an ATP Flame, am I supposed to do the same thing?
Click to expand...

I've always done the same. Charging raises the voltage of the system to around 14v and 'might' create current spike when the clips are connected - for that reason I choose to disconnect. Some don't and never have an issue, personal choice I guess.
Always seem to get the most issues with bad grounds from what I've read.
 
Ben Fredenburg

Ben Fredenburg

Location
Michigan
How difficult is it to set up? When looking at buying the total loss new, it appeared to come in with just the materials needed. I.e. you have to wire, solder, and mount everything yourself. I've never messed around with electronics, at least not to that extent. I'm considering buying a lightly used set up just because it's already complete.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
 
Mdavies_02

Mdavies_02

Location
Stouffville, Ontario
Ben Fredenburg said:
How difficult is it to set up? When looking at buying the total loss new, it appeared to come in with just the materials needed. I.e. you have to wire, solder, and mount everything yourself. I've never messed around with electronics, at least not to that extent. I'm considering buying a lightly used set up just because it's already complete.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Just did the same thing. I picked up an used ATP Flame TS2 in a ATP Billet Ebox. I had to redo the connections for start stop, and create my own battery cables, but I am glad I didn't have to mount everything the first time. I'm excited to get it running next month, and see how the performances changes.
 
KMN

KMN

Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mdavies_02 said:
Just did the same thing. I picked up an used ATP Flame TS2 in a ATP Billet Ebox. I had to redo the connections for start stop, and create my own battery cables, but I am glad I didn't have to mount everything the first time. I'm excited to get it running next month, and see how the performances changes.
Click to expand...

Let's see some pics! I've been considering the ATP Flame TS2 for my 2nd ski. Thoughts? Initial impressions?
 
Superjetjim

Superjetjim

X-
Ben Fredenburg said:
How difficult is it to set up? When looking at buying the total loss new, it appeared to come in with just the materials needed. I.e. you have to wire, solder, and mount everything yourself. I've never messed around with electronics, at least not to that extent. I'm considering buying a lightly used set up just because it's already complete.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
It can be tricky if you've not done one before, you'll also need a TDC spark plug gauge and an understanding of what the dip switches need to be set to for your particular setup.
If you've never done anything like this it might make sense to ask your engine builder to set it up (or get an HX3 or similar)
 
Mdavies_02

Mdavies_02

Location
Stouffville, Ontario
KMN said:
Let's see some pics! I've been considering the ATP Flame TS2 for my 2nd ski. Thoughts? Initial impressions?
Click to expand...

The previous owner was creative with electrical tape lol. I'll post some pictures later when I am home. I've stripped all the covered and loomed and heat shrunk everything. Deutsch connectors for the stator and start/stop too.
 
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Mdavies_02

Mdavies_02

Location
Stouffville, Ontario
ecce1a446a62f77e606888cb56df5278.jpg


This is where I am at so far. Need new grounds but waiting on proper tinned wire.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Robbie8984

Robbie8984

Location
Uk
Just fitted a new flame TS2.

Got the kit pre built in the billet electrics box. All I had to do was make up the harness for the stator with a bit of heat shrink and few connectors was no bother.

Set air gap first (gap between pickup and flywheel) then use dti to find dti, make a pointer and set static timing to 40 deg btdc.

Torque flywheel etc job done.

Gave a huge improvement in mid on my 1100 with RRP.

Just changed the timing curve to be a bit more aggressive and jetting up the highs, and lowering pop off slightly and will test again Sunday.

Overall very happy with it
 
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Robbie8984

Robbie8984

Location
Uk
KMN said:
Looks great Robbie. I'm considering that TS2. Looks pretty impressive and I can throw it in a stock ebox. Decisions decisions...
Click to expand...

I was debating for ages. The fact that it fits in a nice oem box (or super billet bling box :)) swung it for me. I rode salt 95% of the time so this has the most chance of being reliable I reckon.

Just make sure you buy a brand new oem Yamaha or Kawasaki coil
 
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