Oh Mighty Alternator, I Surrender!

ralphy · Post by **ralphy** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:54 am

I'm tired of rewinding, rebuilding, replacing and reassembling the alternator on my 79 CBX. It still doesn't work right.

Does anyone have any experience and a review of the replacement "Euro Alternator" conversion available at timscbx.com? Possibly a photo of their bike with the part installed?

It sounds like a great conversion mechanically; I'm just not so excited about changing the appearance of the bike that much.

Any thoughts and/or pictures would be greatly appreciated!

harvey · Post by **harvey** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 10:15 am

Ralphy,

You might want to go to the following thread on this website:

The International CBX Owners Association Forum Index -> CBX Parts & Accessory Suppliers, Dealerships, Mechanics, OEM Parts, Speciality CBX Shops
Moved: CBX Alternator Conversions

or contact the posted direct at the email address:

Thanks,
J.R.
jrluksik[at]wowway[dot]com
CBX-tras LLC

I have not dealt with either but have exchanged a few emails with JR and am considering his conversion.

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 11:01 am

viewtopic.php?t=5663

CBX-tras · Post by **CBX-tras** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 11:37 am

ralphy,

PM sent.

J.R.

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 1:05 pm

I have the Jung alternator which is a similar design. If you don't use your CBX continually it's an excellent mod...

Those who frequently use the bike don't seem to have a problem....

ralphy · Post by **ralphy** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 5:44 pm

Thanks for the quick responses, everyone.

alimey4u2, I'm confused. Could you please explain in more detail?

You said if I don't use my CBX often, it's a good modification. What exactly do you mean?

Many thanks!

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 7:28 pm

ralphy wrote:Thanks for the quick responses, everyone.

alimey4u2, I'm confused. Could you please explain in more detail?

You said if I don't use my CBX often, it's a good modification. What exactly do you mean?

Many thanks!

Sure.... I think that the major problem with the alternator design is that of copper corrosion/patina. We have one notable member here " Terry" who rides the hell out of his bike as often as he can. He is indeed not the only one...

Those frequent riders report less problems with their alternators.

My "hypothesis" is that the connections, brush tracts etc.etc are often/always in motion ( dare I use the word "vibration" ) reducing the chances of the copper patina forming. This patina/corrosion is none conductive & abrasive...You also have other issues kicking in, like alternator clutch plates, which (over time) may disperse their surface lubricant due to gravity & evaporation...

Also... Springs don't like to sit idle ....

Sooo..If you have a garage queen ( like mine) you will be less prone to problems if you do an alternator "upgrade"....

EMS · Post by **EMS** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:17 pm

Don't forget that people who ride their bikes more frequently also tend to maintain them more frequently. I don't say that others neglect their bikes, but if you get to ride your CBX only every other month like I do, you may not address issues on a regular basis...

Joner · Post by **Joner** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 8:45 am

Ah Larry,

Yours is only a garage queen because of our delightfull weather we have over here

Cheers
Chris J.

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 9:07 am

Let's just hope we get a better summer Chris...

NobleHops · Post by **NobleHops** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 9:15 am

alimey4u2 wrote:Let's just hope we get a better summer Chris...

You should see northern New England today. Crazy wind damage on the seacoast!

N.

cbxtacy · Post by **cbxtacy** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 11:03 am

I have 3 Kaw alternators on my CBX's. A Jung and two more pieced together out of pieces I've manufactured and J.R. pieces. They all work great. To me the advantages are less wiring/plugs to get corroded, more voltage at a lower RPM, and no preload on the alternator bearings from a spring in the alternator drive. If I get anymore CBX's, I'm gonna get a conversion from JR.

steve murdoch icoa #5322 · Fri Feb 26, 2010 12:13 pm

Hi, George...home for a day or two?

cbxtacy · Post by **cbxtacy** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 1:36 pm

leave monday with a new company

Rick Pope · Post by **Rick Pope** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 8:37 pm

Hey George,
While yer out and about, keep an eye out for a nice low mileage Volvo 770 for me. Prefer one with ISX/Meritor, fridge and microwave, sink is a plus. I'm probably dreaming about finding something under 900k miles for <$15k.

And if yer passing through, stop by and say hello.