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Author Topic: Best American made high output Alternator  (Read 1914 times)
In Between
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« on: January 23, 2021, 08:00:10 PM »

Just wondering in case I ever needed an High Output Alternator for 99 Interstate, where can a person get the Best American made high output Alternator at ?  Only want to replace it once..

Links are appreciated.

Thank you

Ken
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Bighead
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Madison Alabama


« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2021, 10:21:04 PM »

Dont know about an American made one. I bought one for the Goldwing myself at half the price of one made for a Valkyrie.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
98valk
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Posts: 13448


South Jersey


« Reply #2 on: January 24, 2021, 04:50:08 AM »

why do u think u need high output?  which only lowers the amount of voltage avail at idle. u will have to have the engine set with a higher idle speed to compensate.
last I was told a few yrs ago there are not any american companies that are winding the stators and rotors.

run some watt drain numbers and u might find a HO is not needed.
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1998 Std/Tourer, 2007 DR200SE, 1981 CB900C  10speed
1973 Duster 340 4-speed rare A/C, 2001 F250 4x4 7.3L, 6sp

"Our Constitution was made only for a Moral and Religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the goverment of any other."
John Adams 10/11/1798
In Between
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« Reply #3 on: January 24, 2021, 02:22:05 PM »

why do u think u need high output?  which only lowers the amount of voltage avail at idle. u will have to have the engine set with a higher idle speed to compensate.
last I was told a few yrs ago there are not any american companies that are winding the stators and rotors.

run some watt drain numbers and u might find a HO is not needed.

Being an ham operator sometimes one radio when transmitting will pull 22 amps by itself, another one about 7 amps.  So thought I might want to be checking around before I need one.  Don't want the chinese stuff to replace often .  Heard about a guy  Ken Heming in Merrillville, Indiana that used to rebuilt or sell HO ones..

Thank you

Appreciate it

Ken
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98valk
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Posts: 13448


South Jersey


« Reply #4 on: January 24, 2021, 02:38:32 PM »

why do u think u need high output?  which only lowers the amount of voltage avail at idle. u will have to have the engine set with a higher idle speed to compensate.
last I was told a few yrs ago there are not any american companies that are winding the stators and rotors.

run some watt drain numbers and u might find a HO is not needed.

Being an ham operator sometimes one radio when transmitting will pull 22 amps by itself, another one about 7 amps.  So thought I might want to be checking around before I need one.  Don't want the chinese stuff to replace often .  Heard about a guy  Ken Heming in Merrillville, Indiana that used to rebuilt or sell HO ones..

Thank you

Appreciate it

Ken

his website is down. https://myplace.frontier.com/~hemi-roid/
 there was a post on FB stating he closed the business because he couldn't get certain parts anymore.

this guy rewound/repaired one himself.
https://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=18463
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1998 Std/Tourer, 2007 DR200SE, 1981 CB900C  10speed
1973 Duster 340 4-speed rare A/C, 2001 F250 4x4 7.3L, 6sp

"Our Constitution was made only for a Moral and Religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the goverment of any other."
John Adams 10/11/1798
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Wahoo!!!!

Texas Panhandle


« Reply #5 on: January 24, 2021, 02:44:29 PM »

I’ve heard that Ken passed away.
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I ride a motorcycle because nothing transports me as quickly from where I am to who I am.
In Between
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Posts: 47


« Reply #6 on: January 24, 2021, 04:39:59 PM »

why do u think u need high output?  which only lowers the amount of voltage avail at idle. u will have to have the engine set with a higher idle speed to compensate.
last I was told a few yrs ago there are not any american companies that are winding the stators and rotors.

run some watt drain numbers and u might find a HO is not needed.

Being an ham operator sometimes one radio when transmitting will pull 22 amps by itself, another one about 7 amps.  So thought I might want to be checking around before I need one.  Don't want the chinese stuff to replace often .  Heard about a guy  Ken Heming in Merrillville, Indiana that used to rebuilt or sell HO ones..

Thank you

Appreciate it

Ken

his website is down. https://myplace.frontier.com/~hemi-roid/
 there was a post on FB stating he closed the business because he couldn't get certain parts anymore.

this guy rewound/repaired one himself.
https://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=18463

Thank you
Ken
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In Between
Member
*****
Posts: 47


« Reply #7 on: January 24, 2021, 04:45:50 PM »

I’ve heard that Ken passed away.

Went back to his number in a post of a year or so and did a search and shows up.  Hate to hear of it.

Thank you

Ken
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gordonv
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VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« Reply #8 on: January 24, 2021, 07:39:08 PM »

As for new, I don't think they where ever made in the US, and as for replacements, same thing.

Now repaired/rewound, people did, but they are few and far between.

Most alternator problems are brushes. Easy fix. Just keep your eye open for an inexpensive OEM used GL1500 alternator. Get it home and take it apart, clean, inspect and test, and put it in your bike. Then do the same for your original alt, then you'll have a spare. They should be taken out every 35K miles (I think) and cleaned.

I posted about a Chinese one I bought the other year, failed, sent back for repair/replacement. I posted on it. Waiting to get the bike out and put a years riding on it, and report again.
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MarkT
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« Reply #9 on: January 25, 2021, 06:22:45 AM »

I put a Compufire 90 watt alternator made for gold wings in my first Valk.  Wasn't easy, had to cut the frame.  Provides plenty of power as I needed it on that bike - high power lights, compressor, high power stereo, electric clothes.  I wouldn't do it again.  On Jade, '97 Tourer, I reduced the load.  All lights now LED, more efficient stereo, no compressor except on the Wolo horn.  Still had the OEM alternator fail on return from Roanoke Inzane at 50k miles.  Now I have spare alternators, always bring one with me on road trips, also have spare brushes.  Expect alternators to last around 50k miles between services of brush changes.  I don't think you actually NEED a high power alternator if you manage the power use better.
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Vietnam-474 TFW Takhli 9-12/72 Linebckr II;307 SBW U-Tapao 05/73-4
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« Reply #10 on: January 25, 2021, 07:13:58 AM »

Appreciate it, sounds like a plan.  Great pics..

Thank you

Ken
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Bighead
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Madison Alabama


« Reply #11 on: January 25, 2021, 08:17:04 AM »

I put a Compufire 90 watt alternator made for gold wings in my first Valk.  Wasn't easy, had to cut the frame.  Provides plenty of power as I needed it on that bike - high power lights, compressor, high power stereo, electric clothes.  I wouldn't do it again.  On Jade, '97 Tourer, I reduced the load.  All lights now LED, more efficient stereo, no compressor except on the Wolo horn.  Still had the OEM alternator fail on return from Roanoke Inzane at 50k miles.  Now I have spare alternators, always bring one with me on road trips, also have spare brushes.  Expect alternators to last around 50k miles between services of brush changes.  I don't think you actually NEED a high power alternator if you manage the power use better.
The one on my ‘99 Interstate went south at 40k. The one on my ‘97 standard still good at 120k. Might go out on the next start up but still working at this time.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
98valk
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South Jersey


« Reply #12 on: January 25, 2021, 09:15:33 AM »

I pulled out the original unit on my '98 at 50k miles. brushes were not even half way worn. However the rear bearing did not sound or feel good, so I replaced it with a better one from NAPA.  at 67k now all is good.

was able to pick up a low mile 93 HONDA GOLDWING alt on ebay last yr for $80. 
ken had stated that the units made before '95 were all made in japan with all japan parts and are the ones that last.
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1998 Std/Tourer, 2007 DR200SE, 1981 CB900C  10speed
1973 Duster 340 4-speed rare A/C, 2001 F250 4x4 7.3L, 6sp

"Our Constitution was made only for a Moral and Religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the goverment of any other."
John Adams 10/11/1798
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