Single Fire vs. Dual Fire

I have been toying around with the idea of changing the ignition on my bike. I know that my bike stock has the dual fire ignition. Now, I have read on this site that the dual fire is considered to be a "wasted spark." It seems that most people are in favor of the single fire more.

Can someone please explain in plain english, but detailed difference between the 2 and why they favor either one or the other? Thank You!

From the Dyna Website "Dual fire ignition systems fire both spark plugs from a single coil at the same time. The majority of the spark energy goes to the cylinder under compression while a small portion goes to the cylinder on the exhaust stroke causing a small wasted spark. Single fire ignitions separate the firing pulses, only firing the cylinder under compression. The main advantage of dual fire systems is simplicity and low cost. The advantage of single fire systems are smoother engine operation and the elimination of the popping that sometimes occurs when long duration camshafts are used. There is no horsepower advantage with single fire ignition systems"

Great graphic of the engine

I'm not really looking to gain more power, I just want a more efficient running bike. I had heard from another person that this could change the sound of my bike. Now, it has a real deep mean growl to it and this person had said that it could and probably change this. It is no big deal, just double checking information.

That is a great graphic! Most of this is coming straight from my own pocket.:cussing:

Thank You All for the info. Appreciate it.

Dual Fire - EPA mandated method to reduce unburnt gases....gases that would evaporate anyway (burning 'em reduces emissions at tailpipe, which is where they measure it)

Single-fire - slightly more efficient, as no secondary pressure (however slight) to oppose primary ignition.

I changed over to single fire when my OEM ignition started crapping out on me a couple years ago. I don't hear well enough (too much gunfire over the years) to hear a difference, but I do think I'm getting about 1 MPG better mileage...though I really ain't certain.

Bottom line: change when you have to, and not before. And if your bike is EFI (not carburated) then you may have tuning issues that I don't know jack about.

Anytime the goverment gets into it - I'm against it. Look what they did for Calif.uke:

Have one of each........in the same basic motorcycle (FXR)
Save your $$........no noticable difference....