What is any ignition system supposed to do

[chopper]

whether it be the early mechanical points/condenser system, (Big Twin up to 1978 and Sportsters 1970 to 1978), early electronic with centrifugal mechanical advance weights, (all models 1978 and a half to 1979), or the late electronic with transistorized ignition control module, more familiarly known as the black box or the brain, (all models 1980 to present). I almost forgot the magneto ignition system used on 1958 to 1969 Sportsters.

Mechanical means parts are moving mechanically such as points opening and closing while electronic or transistorized basically indicates there are no moving parts.

When all the complex jargon is stripped away, an ignition system produces a spark at the spark plug to produce a controlled burn of the air/gas mixture at the right time to push the piston down with optimal power to turn the flywheels which ultimately turns the rear wheel.

[LagerDrinker]

Solid state ignition has some confusion about it but basically its an on/off switch. The thing to remember about points or electronic ignition is the coil will fire when 12v is removed from it not when applied to it. If a test light is put on 12v+ of coil it should go out when it it is time to fire plugs. If light does not blink on/off while cranking the points are burnt or not adjusted correctly or electronic ignition module may be faulty.