6v vs 12v

[dxhall]

I am reassembling the Harley / Aermacchi Sprint.  It has a six volt generator, which would be too much trouble to replace since it’s on a taper at the end of the crankshaft.  I’m wondering if it’s worth the trouble to get a 6v to 12v converter and change to 12v lights and coil.  It’s kick start only, so there’s no starter to worry about.  I’m inclined to just run it at 6v.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

You could always use a VAPE kit: https://www.vape.eu/aermacchi-harley-davidson

[jcctx]

6 volt;keep it simple!

[Aaron D.]

Nothing wrong with 6V, just use proper wire sizes.

[Kiwi Dave]

Years ago when I was a light bulb mechanic ((I worked as a lighting director or technical producer) in television for 25 odd years) wattage isn't everything. 

The higher the current (and therefore the lower the voltage) in incandescent lamps produces greater light output.

Really noticeable in PAR lamps, often used in the Rock-n-Roll industry.  The lower voltage ones (110v) were not only brighter, but a lot faster to switch on.  In NZ, the mains voltage is 230v, so the trick was to connect two 100v PAR lamps in series.

Of course, LED lighting has revolutionized everything.

[John A]

I’d sure leave it 6.

[QuattroValvole]

I have put Lithium(Shorai is my favorite), batteries and LED bulbs in most of my 6V bikes. Works great and plenty of light. Make sure the generator output is up to par.

[Testarossa]

I want to see pix of the build. A Sprint was my first real motorcycle, right out of college.

[tazio]

I want to see pix of the build. A Sprint was my first real motorcycle, right out of college.

Yep, need pics!
Have had my Sprint 41 years. It's the first mechanical thing I ever assembled out of a box of parts AND IT RAN! LOL
I remember that feeling upon hearing it run and riding it around like it was yesterday.
Couple pics from back in the day ..

[John A]

Yep, need pics!
Have had my Sprint 41 years. It's the first mechanical thing I ever assembled out of a box of parts AND IT RAN! LOL
I remember that feeling upon hearing it run and riding it around like it was yesterday.
Couple pics from back in the day ..

You were a talented youngster!

[chuck peterson]

You could always use a VAPE kit: https://www.vape.eu/aermacchi-harley-davidson

Thanks for the  link! It’ll take care of this problem. Those two wires from the charging unit are toast all the way down w the insulation crumbling





They have charging and ignition solution for my Ducati Monza! OMG it’s perfect…almost 500 euros perfect but a great kit..saving my nickels

Anyone use VAPE products?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Thanks for the  link! It’ll take care of this problem. Those two wires from the charging unit are toast all the way down w the insulation crumbling





They have charging and ignition solution for my Ducati Monza! OMG it’s perfect…almost 500 euros perfect but a great kit..saving my nickels

Anyone use VAPE products?

You could send the stator to Rick's Moto Electric and have it repaired. They did one for a customer's Cagiva Alazzurra and it only cost $50. https://ricksmotorsportelectrics.com/partrebuild.php

I bought a PowerDynamo kit (previous name before VAPE) for a customer's '39 DKW NZ500. Not installed yet, but appears well made. IIRC, Cam3512 has a kit on his Stornello and I know of a few other guys that use them too. I would buy one for my '72 Benelli 175 Enduro, but I'm too cheap.