Thoughts on Powerdynamo for T500

[jabcb]

I have a 75 T500 upgraded with a 45/45W H4 halogen headlight, a modern Tympanium rectifier/regulator & an AGM battery. Its wired up for maximum output with all of the alternator wires going directly to the rectifier/regulator.

The modern rectifier/regulator + altered wiring produces some additional output.
I tested it to find the rpm it starts charging at, but don't remember the results.
I've not had any problems with insufficiently charged battery.

[Alan H]

A LED headlight will use far less current, or even a couple of small LED spots will help protect against blind motorists. I have a couple of small spotlamps mounted where the horn should be - and some air horns 'just in case'.

[ConnerVT]

I have a 75 T500 upgraded with a 45/45W H4 halogen headlight, a modern Tympanium rectifier/regulator & an AGM battery. Its wired up for maximum output with all of the alternator wires going directly to the rectifier/regulator.

My '71 is setup exactly the same as jabcb. Never an issue, running headlight full time.

[tricky1962]

As I said, I run with the headlight on all the time but haven't had a problem so far.

I would like a better headlight, but don't think that's possible at the moment. I would also like heated handlebar grips (I use the bike all year round) but that is definitely not going to happen.

I'm not going to throw £300 at the bike for an improved alternator, but I can see why some do

[jabcb]

I agree with your view of not wanting to spend $$$.
And especially so if you have a collection of vintage bikes.

The Tympanium rectifier/regulator is about $50.
An AGM battery is also a bit more expensive than a conventional battery.
They are worth considering the next time you replace the battery.

The headlight is a separate issue.
A 45/45W H4 halogen headlight is a good bit brighter than the stock headlight with a 45/45W bulb.
That's a useful upgrade if you ride at night.

[ConnerVT]

That's a useful upgrade if you ride at night.

Voted the Number One Understatement Of The 2014.

(Voted on by everyone who has ridden a T500, after dusk, with the stock headlamp.)

[Vintageman]

I wont argue that the a better charging system is very important for night riding. Headlight too. Just very OK with points for ignition.

I will most likely purchase the items in steps below.. sounds like they work!

The Tympanium rectifier/regulator is about $50.An AGM battery is also a bit more expensive than a conventional battery.They are worth considering the next time you replace the battery.

Its actually my GT250 (as tricky1962 noted) that is real bad at keeping up with energy needs and may add regulator like later models. A different post

[tricky1962]

jabcb wrote:
That's a useful upgrade if you ride at night.


Voted the Number One Understatement Of The 2014.

(Voted on by everyone who has ridden a T500, after dusk, with the stock headlamp.)


For the Brits here:

See Churchill Advert "Ooohhh..Yessss!"

Oncoming cars with normal headlights leave you blind for 15 seconds after they've passed

[Alan H]

Drive with one eye shut and keep the other ready as a 'spare'.
Just remember - never close them both at the same time or it goes dark as F***!!!

[jabcb]

I wont argue that the a better charging system is very important for night riding. Headlight too. Just very OK with points for ignition.

I will most likely purchase the items in steps below.. sounds like they work!

The Tympanium rectifier/regulator is about $50.An AGM battery is also a bit more expensive than a conventional battery.They are worth considering the next time you replace the battery.

Its actually my GT250 (as tricky1962 noted) that is real bad at keeping up with energy needs and may add regulator like later models. A different post

My 73 GT250 was having charging problems.
Did the same upgrade (modern rectifier/regulator + wiring change + AGM battery) but kept the stock headlight.
That solved the charging problem.

[smokin_blue]

Since I can see I have already touched on a sensitive topic with this thread I will go one step further out on the limb for a bit of humor. I had one bike that took care of my night riding issues. I bought a 1986 GSX-R750 well after they came out (like 9 years later) but I implemented what was common when they did first come out. That was to pull out the dual 55/60w halogen bulbs and put in a pair of 85/100w sky burners. Those my friends light up the night!

[lasse]

I have had this system on three different machines and engines. I've toured Europe with it four times, no beats skipped, easy starting, what's not to love about it?