Takai doesn't have much time for co-respondance as they typically only cater to pro-level riders and teams but I noted this thread and felt a response was in order.
Firstly, Takai does have engines to test on, however, Takai doesn't typically care to invest in old production equipment as all teams are using the latest and greatest equipment which we need to keep up on. That being said, the banshee is on the bottom of our list although a Yamaha engine and electroincs of that year are. That being said, we ALWAYS like to verify on a production machine as variances between loaded engine dyno and real world can, and have, happened in the past. We would like to provide a solution to banshee owners but until real world is verified they are on the backburner and this is why we wanted a tester, for frame fitment, to verify, and because Takai won't invest in the purchase of an old platform. If it was a new model, it would be on a track with a professional rider.
Second, Takai could release a "cheap" version with one coil running 2 cylinders, however, a few things, "cheap" is not in the Takai vocabulary. Takai is a unique company, it's either all or nothing and no compromise will do, even for "cost". Takai equipment competes with the likes of Magnetti Marrelli and Mclaren Electronics. This is the decision of our parent branch M rakuin (M brand) electronics.
#1. Cost is no object. That being said, if someone is looking for a cheap upgrade or backyard solution Takai is not for you and you should immediatly go elsewhere for your ignition related needs. In that case Nology or WeaponX may be right for you. I am sure WeaponX can supply you with a similar setup, however, I can garantee you won't get the results Takai equipment does. WeaponX, another subsidiary of M rakuin, is geared to produce, target cost, compete, and best, the likes of MSD, Accell, Nology, etc. Takai on the other hand is geared to best any production, Factory or race related part regardless of cost... There is a big difference between the two company mission statements.
#2 For those interested in why two coils. In side by side tests, firing one plug in reverse polarity will reduce overall spark output of BOTH cylinders by up to 25%. This is because the ground electrodes in one cylinder is not optimized to fire the spark which requires a higher coil voltage to ionize the gap. The higher voltage reduces overall spark duration, reducing performance. Reduced performance because the spark is lit for less of the combustion sequence where additional fuel and air could potentially be lit by a longer duration spark, remember power input is needed in a process to create power output. Also, fouling is more predominant in one cylinder because of this configuration. The reason Yamaha, Ford, or whoever uses the single coil design for two cylinders is to reduce cost, not because it's optimal for race use. When is the last time someone saw a race engine with a single coil for two cylinders? Won't happen and M-Rakuin would never suggest it on a professional application.
#3 Someone noted they want to see dynos. Funny, the only time I have never heard this is on a forum, never from a Factory team. Factory teams will ask, does it work? You have one shot to convince them, if it doesn't work, your name is mud. Takai makes sure they work as advertised and does real world testing before release. Besides most manufacturer "dynos" are as snake oil as the products most of them sell. Wondering why the reason Takai is allowing THIS test? To make sure you, the end user, is happy and to validate our own off machine bench tests. In the end, what use is it to provide naysayers with Takai dynos? Most people on forums don't believe them anyway and my suspicion is that those here that are sceptical would be sceptical anyway. M-rakuin and affiliates have always let the product speak for themselves and have always done real world testing before release. Since WeaponX was introduced in trial to the general public over 10 years ago, anybody that wants to research WeaponX will find that they have the highest satisfaction rate of any ignition coil producer on the market, and have been the first company ever to introduce true performance coil on plug technology to the aftermarket. Takai is also the ONLY company to deliver M-rakuin (highest level of) ignition related products to powersport professionals in the highest level of competition and the pricepoint is exactly in check with other manufacturers that deliver similar products. The only difference is that Takai equipment is delivered as plug and play and is pre-tested by professionals on applications to do as they say which takes the guess work out of it. This is a HUGE R&D cost Takai absorbs, but a LARGE benefit to powersport professionals and enthusiasts like yourselves that don't want to mess with a wiring or ECU configuration nightmare.
In closing, all that being said, before launching to the general public, we always catered to professional teams, and currently have a laundry list of professionals running our stuff in MX and Superbike, Dirt Oval etc. It's not Takai's concern to hit pricepoint with nology or others. Besides, Takai's typical customers are not 2 stroke junkies that can get cheap power from a $200 pipe, they are professionals that pay several thousand ($2000 - $4000) for a titanium exhaust that nets them as much horsepower as our super coils do. Those that think "good luck" selling at $550, vs the cost of other 4 stroke equipment, Takai coils are a deal. Professionals pay it all day long for a product that works. We charge upwards of $800 for a Superbike setup and professionals pay it, because its tested and it works. Typical returns are 2 engine hp per ignition coil vs brand new Honda, Yamaha etc Superbike ignition coils. The returns are even greater (2-4hp) per coil for some older model powersport vehicles. Takai just signed another team that changes coils, harness and all electronics after 6 races. That would be 5 sets per bike for the season. I will also say that we have done enough testing and pro rider testing to say that no team that has ever tried the product has ever worked with Takai has given our equipment back. Everyone calls or reports back more then happy, hopefully we can do the same on an old platform for banshee users. If a banshee was new and on the track here, we would know for sure, however, like I said, Takai won't invest a ton of R&D for older platforms but they are open to trials outside of our facility in order to attempt to help other older communities that have product that isn't in production any longer. In any case, I have blabbered enough.
Incase anybody wants to know, my name is Mark, I handle all the initial co-respondance for M-rakuin, Takai and WeaponX. I'm an EE with minor in Mechacnical Eng and am a Technical specialist that answers most of the basic questions and technical information / directs technical questions to appropriate people. I am in tight with the engineering crew and keep up on the latest here. My job is to make sure I know what is happening. Thought it might be wise to post a quick reply. I'm not really authorized to post here but things are slow for the Christmas week and thought I would post for those that are interested in knowing more. That being said, I won't be here often, but figured it would be nice to touch base.
Regards
