Alternators

[Dragon2000]

I have a 2000 Tourer and believe its time to change the Alternator or at the very least have my current one rebuilt. Just curious, between the Tourer and Interstate, did the Interstate have a more power full Alternator? One would think so with all of the other accessories on it however I honestly don't know.

Also has anybody had any experience with the EMS Brand which states it is for the Interstate (link below). 

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/HIGH-OUTPUT-ALTERNATOR-GL1500CD-VALKYRIE-INTERSTATE-/220845742361?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item336b6e9919#ht_1957wt_941

Thanks,

Steve

[NITRO]

The IS alternators are the same as the Standard and Tourer. Are you running enough that you might need extra power? Some people use the MARS alternators and think they're great, but I have no experience with them.

[Art]

Why do you think its time to change?You got a lot of miliage on it or is it making noise.After about 70000 miles it might need brushes or cleaning.They are not cheap

[larswlvs]

Hmmm  I did the math and that alternator puts out less watts then the one that came with your bike   ...only 480 watts, stock is 546 watts. Maybe my math is wrong

[Dragon2000]

Why do you think its time to change?You got a lot of miliage on it or is it making noise.After about 70000 miles it might need brushes or cleaning.They are not cheap

My ride has just over 60K miles on it. I do run a few accessories: speakers (sound of chrome), Garmin GPS, quartz running lights, marker lights (which are LED and draw less power) and a Honda CB. Guessing here I figured this would be less than an Interstate therefore figured they would not have the same Alternator as a Standard or Tourer model.

As to why I was thinking of changing, when I rev my Tourer my LED's and headlight go brighter. I would have assumed it was due to a bad battery (OEM) however it has only seen one season. At the same time my alternator isn't making any noise. 

 

Steve
  

[NITRO]

You're not running much draw there. I have most of what you listed plus use a heated liner, two headlights, etc without problem.

[Dragon2000]

You're not running much draw there. I have most of what you listed plus use a heated liner, two headlights, etc without problem.

Thanks for info Nitro.

I figured you were drawing more than my Tourer just in running lights. Thus the reason I am going to take it out and have it serviced.

Steve

[Dragon2000]

Hmmm  I did the math and that alternator puts out less watts then the one that came with your bike   ...only 480 watts, stock is 546 watts. Maybe my math is wrong

I agree Taz as I had to look up the formula and came to the same conclusion.

Doing another search on the net I came across this posting which if my math is correct, this produces just as much as a Gold Wing (Amps X Volts = Watts & thus 960 Watts). The next question it raises, where the Interstate takes the same Alternator as a Tourer and it fits, I would need a different battery to install this one. You have to admit, the price is not too high and power it generates if correct would be nice.

Anybody want to wade in and comment?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/ALTERNATOR-GL1500CF-VALKYRIE-INTERSTATE-31100-MBY-005-/260656767085?hash=item3cb05aa06d#ht_1353wt_700

Thx,

Steve




 

[hoser]

Why would you need a different battery? That is a good price.     Hoser

[Dragon2000]

Why would you need a different battery? That is a good price.     Hoser

While looking for a Alternator I came accross the one built by Compufire. They make one for the Gold Wing Gl1500 however it does not fit a Valkyrie without doing some cutting. They also push a Battery to go with the same 90 AMP Alternator (package deal).

Understanding it is dangerous to assume, I figured one might need to upgrade the stock battery to match the increase in Wattage (going from 546 to over 900 Watts) if I were to purchase the Alternator contained in my previous post.   

Any assistance/comments would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.compufire.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=3&Itemid=5

[hoser]

The regulater will not let your battery overcharge, but if you want to put in a high amperage battery, it will certainly not hurt anything, and will make the starter spin faster for better starts in severely  cold weather.  Hoser

[Dragon2000]

The regulater will not let your battery overcharge, but if you want to put in a high amperage battery, it will certainly not hurt anything, and will make the starter spin faster for better starts in severely  cold weather.  Hoser

Thanks Hoser. That is exactly what I needed to know as  I will order the Alternator mentioned in my other post. I agree the price is definitely good compared to that of the OEM from Honda.

Once I get the dimensions for a GL1500 Compufire battery from them, if it fits my battery box I am going to order one to compliment the alternator.

Thanks Again. 

[JetDriver]

Understanding it is dangerous to assume, I figured one might need to upgrade the stock battery to match the increase in Wattage (going from 546 to over 900 Watts) if I were to purchase the Alternator contained in my previous post.   

Any assistance/comments would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.compufire.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=3&Itemid=5

Going to a stronger battery won't do anything for your alternator.  The battery spins the starter; once the engine is running, the alternator takes over and becomes the primary source of power.  All the battery is doing now is being recharged- its strength has nothing to do with the alternator.  As Hoser said, all a stronger battery is going to do in a properly operating system is spin the starter faster.

[Valker]

Compufire-check this out first: http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Compufire/compufire.html

[Dragon2000]

Thanks for all of the info guys and pardon my ignorance as I wasn't sure if going to the higher output alternator would require a different battery.

If I find my battery needs replacing and the Compufire fits, I will pick one up. I also have to say, being from Canada that buying parts from the US is in most instances half the price of getting anything local. Also sad to say, getting assistance from the local stealer-ships is usually results being in their best interest. 

Again, Thanks everyone's input.