Author Topic: updated regulator/rectifier advice?  (Read 3980 times)

Offline dividedbyzach

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updated regulator/rectifier advice?
« on: August 13, 2015, 11:13:36 AM »
Looking to upgrade the charging on my 1970 Ambo.

I was told to check Electrosport and Rick's, but neither seems to be compatible with my year/model.

Someone mentioned an HD option, but no specifics.

Anyone have lead on which direction to go?
1975 Honda CB 550
1970 Moto Guzzi Ambassador
1983 HD FXSB
2009 HD Nightster

Offline Perazzimx14

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Re: updated regulator/rectifier advice?
« Reply #1 on: August 13, 2015, 12:31:37 PM »
Do an alternato conversion and you'll have all the power you need. Mash the link for more info.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCEQFjAAahUKEwiUlrSQy6bHAhUDzYAKHUI5D54&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scramblercycle.com%2Falt-conversion.html&ei=RtTMVZTbD4OagwTC8rzwCQ&usg=AFQjCNHt4HGLbinU3arPDV3VzGSXxMy1dg&bvm=bv.99804247,d.eXY

I ended up making my own conversion. I welded up a bracket and used an alternator out of a Suzuki Samurai. If you do a google search there are 1 or 2 DIY walkthroughs...or at least their used to be.
« Last Edit: August 13, 2015, 12:35:32 PM by Perazzimx14 »
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Offline dividedbyzach

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Re: updated regulator/rectifier advice?
« Reply #2 on: August 14, 2015, 11:05:15 AM »
Seems pretty simple, but a little bulky, no?

The ones I was told to use look like this:

http://www.electrosport.com/street-bikes/moto-guzzi/v35.html?pt=regulator-rectifiers

Same thing, just fancier/newer?
1975 Honda CB 550
1970 Moto Guzzi Ambassador
1983 HD FXSB
2009 HD Nightster

Offline rodekyll

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Re: updated regulator/rectifier advice?
« Reply #3 on: August 14, 2015, 11:47:50 AM »
I don't know the answer -- but it's NOT the HD regulator.  That's a choice for the PM/Ducati alternator, not the older generator stuff.

Offline Perazzimx14

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Re: updated regulator/rectifier advice?
« Reply #4 on: August 14, 2015, 12:36:39 PM »
Seems pretty simple, but a little bulky, no?

The ones I was told to use look like this:

http://www.electrosport.com/street-bikes/moto-guzzi/v35.html?pt=regulator-rectifiers

Same thing, just fancier/newer?

If your bike currently has a stock generator placed above the crank and between the cylinders and you want more electrical output you need to convert to an alternator.

The reg/rec you show or anything shy of an alternator conversion will do nothing to raise the electrical system output.
2021 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2017 V7 III Carbon Dark #0008 of 1921
2017 Road Glide Special
2020 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2016 Suzuki Van Van 200 AKA Honda Trail 125 killer
2008 Harley Davidson Softail Custom

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: updated regulator/rectifier advice?
« Reply #5 on: August 14, 2015, 12:59:34 PM »
The regulator/rectifiers you're referencing are for alternator systems, not the generator system on your bike.

Your '70 Ambassador will likely have a Marelli 300 watt generator, the only regulator "upgrade" you can do is to fit one meant for a '61 Ford Falcon. Read here:
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_voltage_regulator_cross-references_-_magneti_marelli_mechanical.html

If you have a Bosch generator, then the best regulator "upgrade" is the Bosch solid state unit meant for '70-ish VW Beetles.
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_voltage_regulator_cross-references_-_bosch_electronic.html

All that either will do is optimize your present charging system. The generator will still need to be in tip-top condition, along with any related wiring.

If you want more than the stock system can supply, then buy the alternator kit linked to by Perazzimx14.
Charlie

Offline dividedbyzach

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Re: updated regulator/rectifier advice?
« Reply #6 on: August 14, 2015, 02:28:42 PM »
Great info, will check out the links, thanks!
1975 Honda CB 550
1970 Moto Guzzi Ambassador
1983 HD FXSB
2009 HD Nightster

Offline rodekyll

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Re: updated regulator/rectifier advice?
« Reply #7 on: August 14, 2015, 03:14:59 PM »
IIRC, some 30 years ago I stuffed a VW bus (32amp) generator in an Eldorado I owned.  I think I needed to drill a depression for the indexing pin on the mount, and I may have decreased the pulley size to wind it up faster, but it worked.

I've also used VW generator regulators on loops.  I don't recall any problems making them go.

Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: updated regulator/rectifier advice?
« Reply #8 on: August 15, 2015, 12:32:05 AM »
Aren't the early beetles 6 Volt?
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Re: updated regulator/rectifier advice?
« Reply #9 on: August 15, 2015, 07:30:36 AM »
Aren't the early beetles 6 Volt?

Yes, changed to 12v by 1966 though.

 

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