GOLDWING ALTERNATOR

[Sodbuster]

When using a GW ALT as replacement for the Valk I've read where it states "You have to take off the capacitor that is mounted on the Gold Wing alternator and rotate the front housing to match the holes from the Valkyrie model so that it will fit" .... so, does that mean you leave the capacitor off or remount it again after you rotate the housing ??

Also, it looks like all years of 1500 GW will fit the Valk .... correct ??

[Ricky-D]

I think you should replace the capacitor when you do that!

***

[Bobbo]

Unless you have an older stereo or CB radio, the capacitor isn't needed.  It is a filter to attenuate electrical noise from the alternator to reduce the "whine" or "whistle" you will hear on older audio equipment.

[Valk_ca]

Also, it looks like all years of 1500 GW will fit the Valk .... correct ??

They may all fit but I think you might want to be careful with which one you use.Honda started using CHINESE alternators some time in '96. Guys have had a lot of bad experiences with them. If you're planning on using an alternator from an old 1500 I'd look for one that's from a '95 or older. I'm planing to replace the alternator in my '97SE with a Compufire in the near future. I also put on one of Rudy's Smartlights so that I get a heads up if there's a charging problem. It's a plug and play device that is only 1 LED light, so virtually no power draw, takes up no space like a voltmeter would and gives the impression its alarmed when I'm away from the bike. And, no, I'm not a dealer. Just a satisfied customer.
http://rudysproducts.com/Store/SL2.html

[Bad On 3]

Hi Valk_ca you might want to look at what it takes to put a compufire alt.in your valk --no room you need to mod.the frame --the compufire is a car alt.its much bigger than a valks alt. a goldwing has more room for the alt. GOOD LUCK --its hard enought to replace the stock alt.try a bigger one --dont think so !!!

[PhredValk]

'I'm planing to replace the alternator in my '97SE with a Compufire in the near future'.

That's a GoldWing, and the Compufire is designed to bolt right into a GW.
Fred.

[Valk_ca]

Phred is right. Its a '97SE Goldwing. I just love these motors. And now my 23 year old son does, too. The '97SE is my 5th Goldwing. My son thinks of the new style Goldwings with all the Tupperware as 'old man' bikes. But he did show an interest in the Dragon. Picked up the '98 Standard in Missouri in March and have stripped it down, cleaned it up, did all the maintenance stuff and a few improvements, put it all back together and she's purring just like you'd expect. Actually, I should say my son has done 98% of the work. Kid's got to learn sometime. And now he's a believer in the F6. He's also re-thinking his decision to go into the Education field. Thinks he should have been a motorcycle mechanic! lol

[valkyriemc]

Also, it looks like all years of 1500 GW will fit the Valk .... correct ??

They may all fit but I think you might want to be careful with which one you use.Honda started using CHINESE alternators some time in '96. Guys have had a lot of bad experiences with them. If you're planning on using an alternator from an old 1500 I'd look for one that's from a '95 or older. I'm planing to replace the alternator in my '97SE with a Compufire in the near future. I also put on one of Rudy's Smartlights so that I get a heads up if there's a charging problem. It's a plug and play device that is only 1 LED light, so virtually no power draw, takes up no space like a voltmeter would and gives the impression its alarmed when I'm away from the bike. And, no, I'm not a dealer. Just a satisfied customer.
http://rudysproducts.com/Store/SL2.html

Are the alternators marked with an country origin or are you checking the date?? Any pic of the smart lights? Didnt see anything on the web site. TIA

[Thunderbolt]

You need to take the three screws out and turn the front cover 120 degrees or 1/3 turn.  Once you have the two alternators side by side you will see what you need to do.  Just match them up.  

[R J]

'97 Goldwing Aspencade
Part # is 31100-MT2-015

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Try this link out for information on the Gold Wing Alternator.

It is like 3 or 4 pages down on the right side.

http://www.jkozloski.com/generic_parts.htm

[Sodbuster]

Thanks y'all for the info 

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Been running one now for 35 thousand miles, or about two years. No problems what so ever, my will charge over 12 volts at idle or about 900 rpms. At running speeds 14.8 volts is normal depending on number of lights I'm running.

[Valk_ca]

Are the alternators marked with an country origin or are you checking the date?? Any pic of the smart lights? Didnt see anything on the web site. TIA

[/quote]

I stand to be corrected but I  don't believe the alternators are marked with a country of origin. Over on Ken Heming's Motorcycle Alternator Repair Service site he notes that "In 1995 HITACHI moved their manufacturing from JAPAN to CHINA, since then they have been producing bad alternators. Broken rotor windings or burned up rotor coils from inferior wire and insulation. I have rebuilt over 800 GL1500 alternators and 95% were later models." http://mysite.ncnetwork.net/resp3jbj/
Over on the Steve Saunders Goldwing Forum you can find endless threads on bad alternators and most are on later model Goldwings. I see the Part # listed for the alternators on Honda Direct Line is a "replaces part #..." so maybe a new one might be from a different source. Worth asking first. I think if I was looking to put a Goldwing alternator in a Valk I'd think about picking up an older one from Ebay or the classifieds on one of the Goldwing Forums and taking it in to an alternator shop to have it refurbished and then use that.

As for the Smartlights - here's a pic of a Smartlight mounted on the dash of a Goldwing:



Here is a video of the Smartlight in action (This is the higher end model. I just have the low-end model that let's me know when the alternator is in trouble and acts as a theft deterrent. I've got enough experience that I've got a good idea where 1st and 2nd gear are located):

SmartLitereview.wmv