Hello I recently purchased a 1979 sportster 1000. I thought it would have points but it has an electronic system in it. I'm not familiar with any of the electronic ignitions at all. I'm looking to either replace it or upgrade but I'm not sure what I would need to do so. I attached pictures of what I have installed currently. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

I think someone added an electronic ignition to your bike. Looks like you have more issues than just the ignition with the major corrosion I see there. Looks like it may have been sitting in water at one time.

 

That looks like it's been submerged at some point or it's sat outside a long time as in years.

 

"Parts Finder" shows it equipped with electronic ignition when new

 

that is right on mr. 88
it also was problematic with the pick up sensor melting or going bad. if you have issues, clean it up well since iron filings or corrosion on the cup will affect the hall sensor.
i use the compu-fire in my 1974 which uses the mechanical advance but most just use the ultima system which i use on my 01 sport. they can be a hit/miss as i had one go south but i do push its limits, the compu-fire has been kicking since 1975 with nearly 200k mile.
the mikuni vm38 carb is a good replacement, been have it on my 74ch since 1975 since i broke the original taking the front end off a 1972 chevy impala, no plastic bumper either.

 

My first bike was a 1979 XL, 99% sure it had electronic ignition from the MoCo and no points.

 

Everything else looked good so I'm not to worried about the corrosion sence I'll be replacing the ignition anyways

 

thanks alot

 

I replaced the points in my ironhead (1975) with a full electronic unit from Daytona Twin Tech. It hasn't given me a minutes problem. However; there are horror stories all over the place about that brand and the troubles everyone has with it.

carl