List of best upgrades to electrical system- more power!

Starting off with getting more charge out of the system- what is the best list of mods you need to make a very reliable and strong charging/electrical systems?

Not to speak for him, but I'd wager that WiredGeorge would tell you to gently sand all electrical contacts and apply dielectric grease before putting them back together to prevent further corrosion.

Larger capacity stators are available in the aftermarket, and if that's not enough, you could go to an external alternator

I was told by Jim @ Redline Cycle that one of the fringe benefits of installing the stronger MKII crank in my KZ motor is that the MKII dynamo has a higher power output. The MKII dynamo will not fit on a KZ/Z1 crank. I checked my FSM, but the power output of the MKII and the KZ/Z1 dynamo is not specified.

Ron

For what? after market lights?

The stock charging system, if working properly can handle most normal situations with no problems. If you put on a bigger permanent magnet alternator, you waste horsepower as heat in the regulator and alternator. The alternator puts out max current all the time. The regulator regulates by wasting the excess electrical power.

If you are not using extra spotlights or hand warmers etc., you'll just be wasting the extra power and may go through regulators faster.

If you are using it for extra lights, or a mini-fridge , then it's a good idea.

EDIT: ooops! I see you're in Alaska. No mini-fridge, I guess

Post edited by: loudhvx, at: 2005/11/23 02:17

As an alternative to an external alternator, is there an excited field type alternator available for these old bikes?

You might consider grafting one of those tiny Robin or Honda powered 'generators' if you're contemplating powering stuff when the bike is parked as well as moving. I have been giving some thought to a clip on module with my ham radio and one of these tiny generators for operating from the beach in Hawaii. Out apartment is not sited for good radio reception/transmission as it's in a valley on the South side of Oahu. Clip on because I'm also wanting a module for fishing gear and another for hunting gear.

-Duck