The International CBX Owners Association

I hear a lot about how the generators go out even if they are well maintained and was wondering what usually goes bad. Was it poorly designed or what? I am considering the replacement that CBXMAN has but would rather just shelve a few extra parts for my original generator.

I believe the biggest problem is the connectors in the wiring harness between the generator, regulator/rectifier, and wiring harness and improper installation of the stock generator on the bike. When you accelerate from a stop sometimes you get a chatter from the clutch plates briefly. If you turn the washer over that seats the spring on the shaft, it will increase the tension on the clutch plates to where it doesn't chatter. It also puts a greater side load on the bearings in the alternator. And they need the fiber and steel washer that go between the spring and clutch plate. I've done hundreds of thousands of miles with stock alternators with no problems other then to replace brushes. I would also check the connectors occasionally and clean as necessary. I like the conversions because they eliminate the clutch plates and most of the connectors. Every CBX I've purchased in the last 10 years had something wrong with the alternator as far as proper installation. They were missing washers between the spring/clutch plate or the washer that seats the spring on the shaft was flipped.

Never had a problem with either of my Xs charging systems, 79 or 82. Change the brushes every 20,000 miles or so and...

twinegar wrote:I am considering the replacement that CBXMAN has but would rather just shelve a few extra parts for my original generator.

Last time I checked with dennis at cbxman.com, he said that he was out of stock on the Kawasaki based conversions until further notice, due to a lack of reliable supply of ZX7 cores to refurbish.