Topic: Alternator Up Grade 32amps

[Mo]

Makes me wonder. If this ever gets going for the 500, then I could possible be riding all year long in the cold Michigan weather. People might think I'm crazy, but they won't know how warm and comfy I'd be behind all that heated gear.

Wimp!   I ride mine all winter long. Of, course a heated outfit might make it better. 

MJ

haha! How do you do it (it gets below freezing a lot!!!

[Bankerdanny]

You know Anders, if you want to make some money pick up an old GL1000 and design an upgrade for that (which will also then fit the 1100 and I believe the 1200). The GL1000 suffers from the same problem as the CB750, and given the touring focus has an even greater need for extra power to support lights and accessories. The 1100 and 1200 have stronger units, but there is room for improvement. A car alternator upgrade is not uncommon in the GL1000 crowd.

[mjstone]

Makes me wonder. If this ever gets going for the 500, then I could possible be riding all year long in the cold Michigan weather. People might think I'm crazy, but they won't know how warm and comfy I'd be behind all that heated gear.

Wimp!   I ride mine all winter long. Of, course a heated outfit might make it better. 

MJ

haha! How do you do it (it gets below freezing a lot!!!

See that big old Vetter Faring on my bike in my Avitar?    Rode it to work once when it was -12F.  Of course, a nice set if heated gear would be great!  I do have a pair of battery operated heated gloves.

MJ

[knowsnothing]

     The cost will be round $600.00 plus shipping if there is enough interest. I designed the 750 kit because I wanted one for myself.  I don't own any 550 .

I think I know someone who has a couple 550s sitting around you could prototype on haha

[cabrala]

Haha why yes...yes he does. Anders knows that he is welcome to both of my 550's and all of their motors.

[andy750]

No one is arguing that the stock system is not sufficient. This is an UPGRADE to allow heated gear to be used (gloves, jacket etc) - extend your riding season in climates that get cold and do it safely and in comfort.

Cheers
Andy

[MCRider]

No one is arguing that the stock system is not sufficient. This is an UPGRADE to allow heated gear to be used (gloves, jacket etc) - extend your riding season in climates that get cold and do it safely and in comfort.

Cheers
Andy

And wouldn't it be true that comparing voltage only doesn't tell the tale?   Its the bump in wattage that counts... and its significant.

I was told to look at it thusly. Voltage is like the water pressure in the hose. Current, wattage, is like the volume of water passing thru.

[Retro Rocket]

No one is arguing that the stock system is not sufficient. This is an UPGRADE to allow heated gear to be used (gloves, jacket etc) - extend your riding season in climates that get cold and do it safely and in comfort.

Cheers
Andy

Better headlights, fuel pumps...

[anders288]

Here's what I got at 2 grand. On another note I think the engineering on buddy's alternator upgrade is great, just not needed for my situation. If the voltage is at the same value of about 14 volts with both systems at normal driving rpm above 2800 rpm the watt use is the same. My reg is set at 14V, had it higher and the battery liked to use water a tad.

               I agree you don't need to up grade you alternator. So what's your point?

[dave500]

if you want spot lights and heaters youll need a heavier output alt,the stock ones work fine in good condition combined with modern recs and regs.

[bambuhiphop]

I agree you don't need to up grade you alternator. So what's your point?

The point is you can see the improvement difference the upgrade makes at low rpm and you can also see and reason what you will have had with a stock loaded system. It seems to be acceptable to post pics of your unit at idle, so I felt it would be good if additional data is available for someone to make an informed comparative decision, 600 bucks is a lot of money to me (as nicely engineered as your dynamo is). Do you not agree?

So this is what my alternator looks like after sitting in a field for 14 years.





While mine might be more far gone than most I think a lot folks restoring these bikes find the alternator system in need of work.

If you hop over to bike bandit you will find, for at least a 75' 550, all three components are not available and if they were it would run you $500. If you look on cmsl you can get two of the parts at the moment with the third only having 1 left at a cost of close to $600.

That leaves eBay, Craigslist, and sourcing from a used engine. For basically the same price I can have a brand new, superbly engineered, higher output system for my bike. Doubled on to that is why would I what used parts on a custom build.

These bikes are getting old and oem parts are starting to become unavailable. Not only is this an upgrade it gives the option when an oem part isn't around anymore or hard to find.

[dave500]

rusty rotor wont matter,it could be cleaned up easy anyway,have you tested that field and stators resistance?odds are they are ok,its dirty connections after these components used with the old dodgy rectifier and regulator that cause low or irregular charging problems.

[bambuhiphop]

 Tested both and they are toast 

[dave500]

thats good,your not throwing out good stuff then.

[andy750]

Bike prep for winter and the big advantage for me of Anders upgraded alternator

1. Install heated grips - switch above the airbox



2. Install Heat-troller for heated gear - located below the airbox



Heated gear leads - can run a Gerbin jacket liner and Gerbing gloves like I use on the VStrom - recommended for anything below 40F if you dont want to look like a Michelin Man (and believe me I did this for 20 yrs and always had cold fingers after an hour of sub-40F riding no matter what winter gloves I was using).



3. Phone charger or batter tender lead - good for keeping the phone charged on day/overnight trips



4. Install 12-v mount for GPS



5. 106 Db horn for people who dont see you - this works great! Same draw as stock horn



6. Attach fairing and hand guards  - good for keeping those icy winds at bay



Ready for winter! 

cheers
Andy

[kc 74 550]

NICE!!!

[MCRider]

Way to go Andy! Looks like a modern DIY sporttourer.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Has anyone also mentioned high output (= higher draw) coils and halogen headlights that tax the stock system and will draw down a weak stock system while riding around town at lower rpms?

[dave500]

that clip i posted is with a 60/55 halogen and boyer micropower ignition.

[dave500]

thats a bosch re57 regulator and a vf400 rec/reg using just the rectifier circuit,ive run this nearly 5 year now,its fine.

[anders288]

    thats a bosch re57 regulator and a vf400 rec/reg using just the rectifier circuit,ive run this nearly 5 year now,its fine.

    I up graded my system also.

[kpier883]

Subscribed. Great thread!

[dave500]

it should be fine,theres other models of this regulator,some have two pins and ground the body,they only cost about 30 bucks here,they were introduced to replace the tin box mechanical external ones on bosch 35 amp alts.

[DM500K0]

Anders,

Anything shaking with the 500/550 upgrade?

[anders288]

Anders,

Anything shaking with the 500/550 upgrade?

                                                        No ran out of R&D money