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Oh Mighty Alternator, I Surrender!

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:54 am
by ralphy
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!

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 10:15 am
by harvey
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.

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 11:01 am
by Carl

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 11:37 am
by CBX-tras
ralphy,

PM sent.

J.R.

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 1:05 pm
by alimey4u2
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....

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 5:44 pm
by ralphy
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!

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 7:28 pm
by alimey4u2
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"....

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:17 pm
by EMS
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... :roll:

Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 8:45 am
by Joner
Ah Larry,

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

Cheers
Chris J.

Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 9:07 am
by alimey4u2
Let's just hope we get a better summer Chris... :thumupp:

Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 9:15 am
by NobleHops
alimey4u2 wrote:Let's just hope we get a better summer Chris... :thumupp:
You should see northern New England today. Crazy wind damage on the seacoast!

N.

Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 11:03 am
by cbxtacy
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.

Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 12:13 pm
by steve murdoch icoa #5322
Hi, George...home for a day or two?

Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 1:36 pm
by cbxtacy
leave monday with a new company

Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 8:37 pm
by Rick Pope
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.