Topic: Vape / Powerdynamo alternator

[gapisch]

Hi,

I'm thinking about changing stock charging system to Vape alternator in my CB650C 1981.
https://www.vape.eu/data/product/85fd23421519d39.98314058.pdf

Does anyone have any experience with it?

I'm not much into electricity and I'm wondering can it be connected to stock wiring without major changes?
http://manuals.sohc4.net/cb650/technical_reference/WD650.jpg

[newday777]

Never heard of them in the USA.....

[gmoss]

I know Revival Cycles sells it: https://shop.revivalcycles.com/vape-charging-ignition-system-for-honda-dohc-cb650-cb750-cb900-cb1100-charging-system-only/

They've been really helpful the two times I've called them for advice, considering to buy something. For example, I was dealing with a disintegrating wiring harness and was on the fence about replacing it with a replica vs installing an m-unit, and they talked me out of doing an m-unit, so they're not just trying to make a sale.

[Tracksnblades1]

Hi,

I'm thinking about changing stock charging system to Vape alternator in my CB650C 1981.
https://www.vape.eu/data/product/85fd23421519d39.98314058.pdf

Does anyone have any experience with it?

I'm not much into electricity and I'm wondering can it be connected to stock wiring without major changes?
http://manuals.sohc4.net/cb650/technical_reference/WD650.jpg

Stock 750 output 210-225watts, stock 750A 285watts… would 180watts do what you want to do ?
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170090.0.html

[Bodi]

What reason do you have to take the stock induced field 3 phase alternator out to install this PM single phase one that has less power output?
It will probably have better low rpm performance, but still only says 190W - less than stock.
Two things in the document bother me: the magnet glue is mentioned more than once as fragile,  worrying. And the mass of info on ignition? Good info, but why is it in in alternator manual?

[Flyin900]

While the CB650 has a issue with the rotors, it is after all a 40 year old bike and parts do wear out.

After reading that mess of a product description it would be a hard pass. What is the price for all that Chinese expertise?

If your system is working well.... RIDE ON!

If you have issues check the rotor slip rings with a Ohm meter set at the lowest ohm scale and from what I recall your looking for 3-4 ohms between the two rings as a reading. The FSM has the correct specs for the measurement and when it is out of spec. A rotor from a early 80's Yamaha 650 is an exact fit on the Honda crank but make sure to use the Honda rotor bolt and is a reputed to be a more reliable item.

[samm_j2]

I have bought a lot of things from revival, if they back it I would say its a good product. If something purchased through them has failed I feel like they go above and beyond to make it right. They really seem to do their homework and test #$%* before they decide to sell it.

[Flyin900]

Nobody will give your any warranty on a electrical purchase, especially if you install it yourself.
Just too many variables for things to go wrong, especially with that product. The description outlines that clearly in the multi page information the original poster enclosed.

That product is down on wattage from the original Honda rotor, as already discussed. Honda electrical systems on early bikes are marginal at best and don’t charge at idle. So missing 40-60 watts of power is the difference of say your horn not working at a lower RPM.

[samm_j2]

 I understand warranties with electrical #$%* and companies not wanting to do right if something fails. That has not been my experience with revival, even with electrical.

I had a Rick's reg/rec fail and blow an antigravity battery and munit all from revival. Revival did everything they could to help me out as everything was installed correctly and done by me. I can't promise they will ALLWAYS do that, but they stand behind their products and they don't sell junk or things they would not put on their own personal bikes. I let them know what happened, not looking for a hand out or even a warranty. I just wanted to know why it happened and let's just say Revival made things right when they didn't have to. All purchases were over a year old at that point and they still went above and beyond to take care of me.

The OP wanted to know about the vape system. I don't have any experience with it but I have lots of experience with Revival and their tech support. They are fantastic. Again if they sell it I would say it's a good product. I get that it is down on the watts and what not and that is for the OP or anyone else to decide if they want it or not.

[craz1]

I installed a Vape system on my Rd350 and the Vape is a quality product. Probably will install one on my XS2 650 also. Not sure about the wattage difference.