Compufire generator switch

[Alaskamike]

Have any of you made this switch?

http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Compufire/compufire.html

If so, how happy (or unhappy) are you with it?   I am adding extra electronics;  PIAA lights, Lighter socket, GPS (potentailly) and Motosens guages.   Just wondering if the 1325 watt (opposed to 546w stock) alternator ( said generator in title - meant alternator!) is worth the effort.
It does reguir a higher capacity Battery, and puts out 14.4 volts at Idle.... that would be nice.

[Chrisj CMA]

that alternator doesnt really fit the Valkyrie........You can make it fit, but it requires frame modifications...........someone has done it

[BOZ]

I have a high output rebuilt 880 amp Valkyrie alternator from this guy that I've had in my Valk for over a year now and I'm very satisfied with it.
http://mysite.ncnetwork.net/resp3jbj/

The only (minor) downside IMO is that it requires about 1,100 rpms to get a high charge rate. This has not been a problem for me, as I set the idle at about 1,000 and have always had a healthy battery for starting and running. And, I have a lot of extra lights and other electrical draws that are fed by the extra power from the high output alternator.

[RP#62]

I have a high output rebuilt 880 amp Valkyrie alternator from this guy that I've had in my Valk for over a year now and I'm very satisfied with it.
http://mysite.ncnetwork.net/resp3jbj/

The only (minor) downside IMO is that it requires about 1,100 rpms to get a high charge rate. This has not been a problem for me, as I set the idle at about 1,000 and have always had a healthy battery for starting and running. And, I have a lot of extra lights and other electrical draws that are fed by the extra power from the high output alternator.

Holy crap.  I'm impressed.  I'm surprised the engine will even spin it.
-RP

[Ricky-D]

The higher output Valkyrie alternator is the better choice of the two.

I wonder how the necessary Compufire modifications to the bike frame and motor housing will affect the longevity of the bike, notwithstanding the effects of the elements from inclement riding conditions.

Of course I recognize the bragging rights of having a Valkyrie that can power a dozen homes at night.


***

[BOZ]

re: my previous post - My High output alternator is 880 WATTS, (not 880 amps).
I don't think there's a 880 "amp" alternator that you can fit in a Valk.   
(Oh yeah... Volts x Amps = Watts.) 

[MarkT]

The higher output Valkyrie alternator is the better choice of the two.

Not in my experienced opinion.  Though I haven't tried the rewound alternator, this one is MADE to produce 90 amps (1325watts).  Didn't bother me to mod the frame to pass it into position, since the alternator already fit the engine, and the frame is overbuilt, can withstand a little less meat at the swingarm pivot.

I wonder how the necessary Compufire modifications to the bike frame and motor housing will affect the longevity of the bike, notwithstanding the effects of the elements from inclement riding conditions.

Of course I recognize the bragging rights of having a Valkyrie that can power a dozen homes at night.


***

I did this mod in 3/2002 and am still riding the same bike more than 50,000 miles later with no adverse effects: no problems with the frame or motor mods.  Am presently running a 400watt amplifier, aircraft landing lights, 130/90 headlight and 2 more 55 watt spot lights, lots of other lights though most are LED's so they don't count; GPS, heated jacket and gloves, piston compressor with active air suspension (I dial it up & down frequently) & large air horn (and infrequent tire fills), and pager alarm system.  Installed digital voltmeter and monitor it all the time - it's usually at 14.4v even at idle - the lights don't dim when the bike is idling.  The install did require a larger fusible link - 110amps - and larger battery - I used a Yuasa 21 AH Gold Wing battery and modified the battery tray so the battery and amplifier fit there.  I never run low on juice though I wouldn't claim this is any bigger than a car alternator.  In fact, that's what it is - a Delco car alternator with a housing made to fit the GL1500 engine - though not the Valk frame.

I'm thinking about installing a road de-icer...

[Walküre]

I'm thinking about installing a road de-icer...

Gonna mount one of these, on the front of the Valk??

[Alaskamike]

Thanks Mark.  Good info.  Same mod I was thinking about, your explanation is very good.    I'm still looking at the possibility....
nice work!

[BOZ]

Here's the info from the M.A.R.S. site. I think Ken will ship you the alternator plus a $50 core charge which he refunds when you ship back your old alternator. My experience has been good. I don't know the exact voltage output at 1,000 rpms, but I've put several thousand miles on this H.O. alternator and never had a weak battery. It puts out only a minimal charge sitting at idle at a traffic light, but I suspect you'd have to sit at low idle for a very long time before the low charge would affect the actual battery health. You may want to call Ken and discuss the H.O. alternator with him. Good luck with your choice. 

KEN HEMING
3701 E. 69TH. AVE.
MERRILLVILLE, IN.
46410-3963
219-947-4038
hemi-roid@frontier.com

NEW H.O. ALTERNATOR              $315
RECONDITIONED ALTERNATOR   $125
REBUILT ALTERNATOR                $175
REBUILT H. O. ALTERNATOR       $250

[Ricky-D]

Roger:

Now that's really rich!  I like that!

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[RP#62]

re: my previous post - My High output alternator is 880 WATTS, (not 880 amps).
I don't think there's a 880 "amp" alternator that you can fit in a Valk.   
(Oh yeah... Volts x Amps = Watts.) 

I figured as much - just having a little fun.  Good info though.
-RP