kick start lever? folding

[crazy steve]

Magneto? Sure, you can put anything on anything if you inject enough money. There's nothing out there that would even remotely bolt-on though, and one reason they've disappeared is because they aren't the best ignition system now available (not even compared the OEM one).

Block-off plate? You're building that.....

'78E original owner

[crazy steve]

....it looks like a standard alternator to me.

Well, after a long discussion with Guy, I'll eat part of my words. There are no magnets. But it's not a 'standard' alternator either. After doing some research, it turns out this is an 'induction AC generator'. It seems the original use for these was to power high-frequency resistance heaters used to melt steel alloys. Their advantage was their ability to generate high frequencies easily, but they're noted also for poor efficiency, which helps explain why the charging system on these bikes is marginal. The big advantage here is the elimination of the slip rings.

Leave it to those clever Japs to rip-off an obscure design and retask it...

'78E original owner

[joceiphus]

Is there a normal alternator off of some other bike that can be used?

[Guy_b_g]

Is there a normal alternator off of some other bike that can be used?

yup..

the XJ1100.

[joceiphus]

Is that a better one?

[Guy_b_g]

It has better output, especially at lower rpms, but any different alternator you use will require changes in the wiring harness and probably a different rectum fryer. Best to look through the posts here and see what's been done in the past.

[trbig]

The XJ alternator can be used with the XS Reg/Rect, but the plug ends are different. To use the XJ alternator, you'll have to use everything.. stator, rotor, and sidecover with the YICS emblem.. lol .

The best setup you can get from a stock-ish alternator, is to use the XJ alternator and get a reg/rectifier from Geezer on here. His units are a BIG improvement over the stock ones. They start charging at a much lower rpm over stock and he can put the plugs on it for whichever alternator you use, as well as send you the plug ends, pins, and crimper if you need them for just about any plug on the bike.


Tod

[CatatonicBug]

Is that a better one?

The main difference in output is the increase from 22 amps to 26 amps. It requires you to replace brushes every now and then (the XS one has no brushes), but it's a better unit.