When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
All I have at the moment is an engine (1979 XLS) and I need to select a charging system. I've seen a few threads about the alternator conversion by V-Twin and the modern day generators by Cycle Electrics. Is there a consensus on what is the better choice of these two for a kick/electric start engine? If this topic has been beat to death already please accept my apologies and provide a link or two so I can get educated. And thanks!
The generator puts out 10 amps, enough to run the stock electrical components plus perhaps a few low amp extra parts. The CE gen will require you to occasionally dismantle it and inspect/replace the brushes. I ride mine 12000 to 15000 miles in a year. This was enough to wear down the brushes. Most guys ride far less than that so the brushes would be good for probably 3 to 5 years.
The alternator puts out way more amps [25 to 50? I do not know the actual number] so it would be useful if you want to run heated jacket and gloves in winter, a pair of halogen extra lights, etc. I do not know what maintenance is required on an alternator - probably none.
Ray from Canada? I know who that is! I bought a 4 speed trans shaft seal from him for my Shovel years ago. Leak free to this day! Thanks for the heads up. I'll follow the link.
BTW, I seldom hit 10,000 miles in a year between two bikes now. Now that I'm retired and the kids are off that might well change. Thanks.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.