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ALTERNATOR OPTIONS + COOL R80G/S 800 Watt Alternator Picture

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2020 10:16 pm
by kirkpatrick3890
800 WATT ALTERNATOR.png
The electrical system is the "Achilles heel" of our airheads. So what is the best alternator option for us?
1) Stay with the OEM system, and eventually get it rebuilt. It has "smallish" output, but adequate unless you are running extra lights, heated gear, etc. It is recommended to carry an extra rotor and diode board.

2) Upgrade the alternator to 400, 450 or 600 watts; it is recommended you carry a spare rotor in this case also, but you have plenty of watts to use :-)

For the above choices your only option to fix your failed alternator is to go back to the original supplier of the alternator which is the dealer or the aftermarket supplier and they are closed much of the time (think you just broke down Friday night in Kingman, AZ :-)

3) Run a Bosche alternator such as in the picture. It can be fixed at numerous Bosch repair shops worldwide.


Above is a wonderful picture of an 800 watt Bosch alternator set up for the R80G/S model. From https://airheadadventure.com

Re: ALTERNATOR OPTIONS + COOL R80G/S 800 Watt Alternator Picture

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2023 9:20 pm
by Shifty1215
In reading this post it has sparked my most recent concern regarding this part of my 1985 r80rt.
All of my electrical contacts have been cleaned along with Deoxit and dielectric grease, however the question concerns the reliability of the stock system at almost 40 years old.
More details: my bike has aprx. 35,000 miles on it. I replaced spark plugs and wires, flasher relay, headlight relay, voltage regulator, ignition control unit and coil. I lubricated the inside of my beancan as well.
The rest is all original as far as I can tell. I've purchased a new Thunderchild diode board and will hold off installing until I get back in that area.
So after a lot of research in various places I regard Snowbums site as the sensible source of knowledge. (No disrespect to others posts meant).
I want to do a long excursion on my bike, but my concern is if I need to bring a spare rotor, along with a rotor removal tool, diode board, voltage regulator and ?. Snowbum states the Bmw system is solid (not his exact words) however, does time impair things such as the alternator or starter? To review I've done electrical connections cleanups throughout and my system seems very intact and operationally correct.
Ne w systems like Wedgetail, Eme,s options as well as Motorad electric looks to be great modern upgrades, but I want to be in the camp of simple by choice, and if it's not broke leave it be. Sorry for the long post, but I'm sure others that are not Gurus such as myself don't want to be held in place from unnecessary concern. Trying to implement a preventative electrical maintenance plan and keep my bikes reliability reputation and FUN factor intact.

Re: ALTERNATOR OPTIONS + COOL R80G/S 800 Watt Alternator Picture

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2023 9:09 pm
by chrishea
What's your definition of a long excursion? Are you out in the middle of nowhere or hoteling it each night? Does your bike have a voltmeter?

My wife and I tour on our Airheads. I do take a rotor and diode board along on long tours. I've had two rotors fail in almost 300,000 Airhead miles. Since carrying a rotor and diode board with me, I've had no failures!!!

I've kept the stock charging and ignition systems on my bikes, like you stated, it's basic, simple, and works if maintained.

Chris

Re: ALTERNATOR OPTIONS + COOL R80G/S 800 Watt Alternator Picture

Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:16 am
by Shifty1215
Thanks for replying as this is the information I am seeking. My long excursion will be from Georgia to California with many points in between. I will be camping mostly with hotel stops intermittently. Ill be looking for a spare rotor to bring along. I have a good assortment of tools. I wanted to hear from experienced airhead riders such as yourself to get some perspective on what to expect while using the original electrical system. Thanks Chris for sharing your experience while traveling on your airhead.
Anyone else with positive or negative experience?

Re: ALTERNATOR OPTIONS + COOL R80G/S 800 Watt Alternator Picture

Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:18 am
by Shifty1215
Forgot to mention I have the original volt meter that works correctly and have added a small digital voltmeter with USB charging ports.

Re: ALTERNATOR OPTIONS + COOL R80G/S 800 Watt Alternator Picture

Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 8:03 am
by srankin
On long trips I add an extra ignition module, clutch cable, spark plug lead along with the rotor and diode board. Surprisingly the most trouble I have ever had has been with clutch cables wearing at bad times. St.