Should I upgrade from a 6V system to a 12V system I'm moving forward on my 1951 project and I would like to know everyone's input on this. If i'm going to do it now is the time.

Update

Engine is out for a complete rebuild and transmission is being inspected.

Front end is out for a complete rebuild the fork tubes are being replaced.

Frame has been powered coated and tanks and fenders are out for paint.

Thanks,

John

 

I would. If you ever need a jump there aren't many bikes or cars with 6 volt systems. Its one of those necessary upgrades in my opinion for a vintage vehicle. My friends dad just swapped his model A over, isn't a difficult job.

 

If your '51 is going to be a rider and you plan on riding long distances, 12v makes a lot of sense. Brighter lights, although don't expect them to be anything like modern lights, easier to find bulbs which may be important if you're on the road and burn out a tail light or a sealed beam. Only things to change are generator, coil, regulator and bulbs, and battery. The small 12v batteries don't last long and I change mine every year, although I just installed a gel cell so I'll see how long that lasts. Cycle Electric makes a very nice generator and solid state regulator unit. Don't waste your money on an import version.
I run 6v and 12v systems and they are both dependable.
Also, early panheads used small mounting screws (I think 5/16"). 12v Harley generators use larger, 3/8", mounting screws. If you use the Cycle Electric, get the 12v with the smaller mounting holes unless your timing cover and RH case have already been drilled for the larger screws.

 

The lights are the same units just with different bulbs????

Asking because my WL was converted to 12V by PO, wanted to find more authentic lights and not sure how that works with the 12V. If I understand you correctly, I could use an original Cycle Ray headlight (example), just change it to a 12V bulb? Thanks in advance for the education.

 

Harley1951, if you have a couple of bucks to spend and want to keep it somewhat original looking, there is a drop in electronic distributor that you can pair with a solid state voltage regulator that mounts in the same spot as your cut out relay and looks the same.

 

That's correct, Architect. 45 Restoration, as well as other suppliers, I'm sure, has headlight bulbs for the Cycleray headlights in both 6 & 12v. Elsewhere, 12v bulbs go right into the same sockets as their 6v counterparts.

 

Thank you for clearing that up, I guess it is obvious to some but until someone tells you for sure!?!??!

Now if I only had $600 or so laying around for a Cycle Ray bucket???

 

my '53 is still 6 volt.

i use dry cell batteries made for emergency lighting from batteries plus- under $30 and they last a few years ( have a smaller one in my 6 V Honda trail 90 too).

I use a later bosch headlight reflector from my 09 FLHTC- and an "h4" style bulb from narva #48871, which I bought in a german auto parts store it gives 55/60 watts at 6 volts.
these are available online for $15

like many things 6 volt all the old VW's and porches on the road create a market

I also have a hall effect sensor under my points cover it's called a ebeyond 2000

Mike

 

My 64 is still 6V. I run a 6 volt H-4 halogen headlight (OSTRAM BULB). I also had some cables that were stepped down to allow a jump from a 12 volt system. I run a old style volt pack in front off front engine mount, and gutted out the stock "DELCO" voltage regulator off rear motor mount to keep old look. I use the lugs on the regulator to distribute the voltage to the battery and juntion blocks, and maintain original look