Hello Bill
In addition to what everyone else has said, I would add
http://www.jetav8r.com/Vision/Ignition/CDI.html
and see the section there on 'What's Better? Induction -or- CDI?'
If you aren't old enough to remember when all cars and motorcycles used a points ignition, you might lean toward CDI C70s.
It was no big deal to tune up one's cars every 6,000 miles or so, as I remember. Sort of checked it every other oil change or so. I checked my Motorcycle every 600 to 1000 miles or so back then, A Honda C200, much like the points C70. Actually a lot of the same parts, including ignition parts!
The problem with a CDI system is that there is a tight design loop, in that, when it fails, there is no honest way to 'break it apart' and test each function to determine the cause. Especially on the 'side of the road'. And Murphy's Law says that that's where it will happen :) So as long as it works it's great. Also it (CDI system) doesn't degrade slowly, giving one time to get around to tuning it back up.
See section 15 of the 80-81 C70 Passport shop manual for points tuning an 80-81 passport. Now read section 20-22 for the CDI '82-'83 ignition. Note the troubleshooting section on page 201. Note the chart on page 203. Note the 'special tester' to get the readings.
Finally see page 186, section 20-8 on "ignition timing". Now there is a vague paragraph. And it all hinges on the engine running! If it isn't, well you are back to 20-22.
Contrast this to a points ignition which can be 'fixed' in the wild with not much more than a piece of paper to clean (and time) the points' surfaces, a cheapo blade feeler gauge in one's tool kit and your own eyes. I did it myself, so that's just my opinion.
If you are not 'sensitive' to things mechanical, like the tightness of small screws that set the gap and timing of a points ignition, the assembly of the wiring, insulators, the position of the oiling felt, the gasket(s) to keep oil, grime etc. out of the points area, how to test a condenser, and other simple but subtle issues, then a CDI ignition is for you :)
Getting off soap box now...
Ron in NJ
--- In Honda-C70@yahoogroups.com, "badams6456" <BAdams6456@...> wrote:
>
> Is there any real advantage in having an '82 or '83 Passport with CDI vs. earlier ones with ignition points and condenser? Also, do all Passports have a 6 volt system or did they go with 12 volts at some point in time? TIA,
>
> Bill in Seattle
>
1970-73 C70 Honda Service Manual: http://tinyurl.com/6ebwtw
1970-73 C70 Troubleshooting Guide:
http://tinyurl.com/6ebwtw (scroll to sec.7.1 page 101.jpg)
1980-83 C70 Honda Service Manual: http://tinyurl.com/hu42c
1980-81 C70 Troubleshooting Guide:
http://tinyurl.com/hu42c (scroll to sec.18-1 page 170.jpg)
1982-83 C70 Troubleshooting Guide:
http://tinyurl.com/hu42c (scroll to sec. 20-28 page 205.jpg)
1980-81 C70 Maintenance Schedule: http://tinyurl.com/z4zn6
1982-83 C70 Maintenance Schedule: http://tinyurl.com/hw35c
More resources for C70 Passports and Cubs:
http://www.shlaes.com/Vehicles/Scooter.htm
http://www.velodrome.com/HondaC70/HondaC70.html
