I have a 1973 - 850 with the standard Lucas RM23 alternator. Charging below 3000rpm is a bit suspect. I know most people would suggest upgrading to a three-phase alternator, but does anyone know if just replacing the rotor with a new rare-earth magnet type will improve the charging at lower rpm?
Will a new magnet improve charging?
- Thread starter Corona850
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Not to a huge degree - tried it in my bike and went from 2900 rpm to about 2600 k for a + charge to develop -spend the $ if possible
I've had excellent results with the standard rotor and RM21 stator. I use heavy-gauge wiring from the stator to the rectifier, battery and pilot light (a 21-watt halogen unit). You can retain the standard light-gauge wiring to the zener, where watts go to die.
If you've got Superblends and no longer rev to the bloodline don't worry overmuch about maintaining the "approved" air gap between stator and rotor--mine is often .003" in spots, with a corresponding bump in efficiency. With a 24-tooth sprocket I spend a lot of time putt-putting between 2000-3000 rpm--even with 22-watt Widder gloves in the winter my Die-Hard stays up to snuff and lasts for years.
Tim Kraakevik
'72 Combat
kraakevik@voyager.net
If you've got Superblends and no longer rev to the bloodline don't worry overmuch about maintaining the "approved" air gap between stator and rotor--mine is often .003" in spots, with a corresponding bump in efficiency. With a 24-tooth sprocket I spend a lot of time putt-putting between 2000-3000 rpm--even with 22-watt Widder gloves in the winter my Die-Hard stays up to snuff and lasts for years.
Tim Kraakevik
'72 Combat
kraakevik@voyager.net
Thanks for the feedback, info and advice. I haven't taken the bike on a really long run yet, so I have never run out of juice, but ,,,
I don't have the rectifier and zener anymore. It's a podtronic. I probably should upgrade the wiring gauge.
My Triumph TR6 is bone-srock with points and it has no electrical problems. The Norton has a Boyer Mk-III and the podtronic. I also have a 20W halogen pilot light and an LED taillight to ease the electrical load. I've replace the charging assimilator with a Cool-cat solid state version. I recently used the small battery off my Triumph on my Norton, while I was awaiting a replacement. The idle was all over the place, which I assumed was the Boyer reacting badly to insufficient juice. A new battery seems to have sorted it out, but the low rpm charging is still iffy.
The cheapest source I've found for the Sparx 3-phase is $289 from MAP. Are there any better deals around?
kraakevik@voyagernet said:
I don't have the rectifier and zener anymore. It's a podtronic. I probably should upgrade the wiring gauge.
My Triumph TR6 is bone-srock with points and it has no electrical problems. The Norton has a Boyer Mk-III and the podtronic. I also have a 20W halogen pilot light and an LED taillight to ease the electrical load. I've replace the charging assimilator with a Cool-cat solid state version. I recently used the small battery off my Triumph on my Norton, while I was awaiting a replacement. The idle was all over the place, which I assumed was the Boyer reacting badly to insufficient juice. A new battery seems to have sorted it out, but the low rpm charging is still iffy.
The cheapest source I've found for the Sparx 3-phase is $289 from MAP. Are there any better deals around?
Corona850 said:
Rocky Point Cycle has it for $275.
http://www.rockypointcycle.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RPC&Category_Code=N8
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