Origin Story

In 2019, best mates, businessman Mike Arnott and Automotive Engine Semiconductor Engineer Mike Garrard sat down over a pint of Bushy’s at the IoM Classic TT to reflect on their observations walking about the pits that day. Two thoughts intrigued them: how modern automotive ignition technology could greatly improve engine performance, and secondly, how that same technology could assist professionals and DIY shed mechanics alike to be able to tune with the finesse of a guru!

With Garrard’s considerable automotive engineering expertise, (one of Garrard’s Engine Management semiconductor designs was installed in one third of the cars built globally in 2006 and he has over 20 Automotive engine management patents to his credit, 12 relating to motorcycles) the pair hatched a plan to develop a Classic Bike Ignition system like no other.

Above and below: The Hand Held Dyno Ignition system is available for a variety of classic motorcycles including select Ducati, Kawasaki and Honda models.

Their ignition would be much more than just an ignition, not only would it improve performance, it would have optional features to assist classic bike owners tune & diagnose issues with their engines.

A rigorous testing & proving regime over the last 24 months by “Beta Testers”, early adopters who have purchased the ignition to support its development has yielded excellent results.

Four testers ran their bikes on dynos to carry out before and after performance tests. The average increase in HP of these bikes over their stock ignitions was over 3 HP. This is made all the more impressive because the Hand Held Dyno Ignition was configured with the same stock ignition map as prescribed by the bike’s manufacturer. With 8 additional maps available, more horsepower is on tap.

Honda and Kawasaki versions shown installed.

There are many reasons for our improved performance, however we’re particularly proud of our unique “LDS” – Long Duration Spark technology.

Back in 1968, it was probably the whiff of petrol, the unburned mixture coming out an exhaust pipe that ignited MSD Ignition’s epiphany that readily available potential horsepower is lost because of incomplete combustion. They concluded that if they could ignite this unburned mixture they could create a bigger explosion and create more horsepower. Their solution was to issue multiple sparks each combustion event to ignite the fresh incoming mixture that follows behind the initial ignition event that may not otherwise ignite to create a bigger bang!

“Our improvement over MSD is that modern ignition technology enables us to fill the gaps between the multiple sparks of MSD and replace them with our Long Duration Spark for an even more complete combustion,” says Michael Arnott.

Equipped with Bluetooth, the Hand Held Dyno Ignition has a very useful App. With it, checking your battery voltage and charge rate before tomorrow’s ride is a simple matter of turning on the key and opening the App. The App also displays RPM and Ignition map selection of the 9 pre-programmed maps.

Being more than just an Ignition, it is available with optional tuning features that will provide you and your mates with hours of enjoyment in the shed over the winter months. The modular, plug and play approach means your Father’s Day wish list has finally gotten interesting! The tuning kit can add up to five engine sensors that can be used to balance your carburettors, measure your Air Fuel Ratio, even tyre temperature sensors for track days.

The most exciting thing is that these sensors can remain permanently fitted. For example, you can check if your throttle cables have stretched anytime, anywhere in moments via the App. Or, fitting new carburetors or exhaust? Use the Air Fuel Ratio suite and monitor AFR while you ride, and know for sure if you have a lean condition at 100 mph to avoid disaster!