Dayrl, when the alternater quit on my GL1500 it was replaced with a Compufire. They fit into the same place, just a little snug due to their slightly larger size. Was told that back in the day the alternater issue was so common on the GL1500s that most places had several on the rack for walk in service. The explanation on why mine had to be ordered was that by now most have been replaced and the shops don't need to carry the inventory anymore. Its been working great.
I don't think Compufire alternators were/are available for GL1100s, or? Are Goldwings the ultimate sidecar machine or what? I can see a 1500 (or 1800) in my future one day for sure, but the newer ones sure have a ton more stuff to go wrong on 'em! Having just invested a few bucks on adaptor mounts and a Steerite triple tree setup, I'm thinking I'd like to put some miles on that rig before upgrading. One thing about it, driving a 30 year old bike cross country, I think it'd bee smart to bring along a spare starter and alternator... just in case!
Daryl Martel - 2/16/2011 2:56 PM
I don't think Compufire alternators were/are available for GL1100s, or? Are Goldwings the ultimate sidecar machine or what? I can see a 1500 (or 1800) in my future one day for sure, but the newer ones sure have a ton more stuff to go wrong on 'em! Having just invested a few bucks on adaptor mounts and a Steerite triple tree setup, I'm thinking I'd like to put some miles on that rig before upgrading. One thing about it, driving a 30 year old bike cross country, I think it'd bee smart to bring along a spare starter and alternator... just in case!
The Compufire alternator had a car alternator in a specially-cast outer casing. It was an exact replacement for 1989 to 2000 1500 cc Goldwinga. I think that the 1988 model (first year of the 1500) may have been slightly different. In any case, the Compufire worked quite well with the possible exception of some additional vibration. In fact, the first one that I installled in my 1994 Goldwing caused a noticeable vibration. I sent it back and they gave me another one which was better, although not perfect. There's no free lunch when it comes to motorcycle modifiation.
In any case, there was no Compufire unit for the 1100. The 1100 alternators were very low in power to begin with. I don't recall the amperage but it wasn't much. The issue that caused failure was generally in the connector between the alterntor and the motorcycle harness. They would corrode and cause the stator to fail. Replacing it required partial or complete removal of the engine. That's a ton of labor!!!. I wouldn't care to do that on a trip unless you were able to get a weekly rate at a motel so you could remove the sidecar and then pull the engine. That's not for the faint of heart. Many owners limited this problem by hard-wiring the alternators and soldering the connections.
Honda struggled with the early Goldwing alternators, even going to far as to have a major replacement program wiith an upgraded unit. It was still low-powered but much better made. If the owner had the unit installed by a dealer it was warranted complete for a period of time as to replacement and labor. If the owner installed it, the warranty only covered the unit, no labor. They have long since discontinued this program, however.
If I had an 1100, I wouldn't take a chance on the alternator. Those bikes are now some 30 years old and the parts are venerable. I would install an add-on per that website. There are several websites, with different methods, by the way.
Happy Trails.
Thnx GNM109 - yes, I know. Major PITA to replace alternator or clutch pack. Can't even imagine having to deal with that on a roadtrip. Am definitely going to look into buying a few spares. Nice thing about dragging a sidecar around is without a passenger, there's a ton of storage available - could even bring spare tires!
Daryl Martel - 2/16/2011 10:00 PM
Thnx GNM109 - yes, I know. Major PITA to replace alternator or clutch pack. Can't even imagine having to deal with that on a roadtrip. Am definitely going to look into buying a few spares. Nice thing about dragging a sidecar around is without a passenger, there's a ton of storage available - could even bring spare tires!
True, there's a lot of carrying capacity in a sidecar.
As to the alternator, Honda was sort of behind the times as to alternator capacity. Some of the earlier small bikes had less than 5 amps!
As I said, I wouldn't even fool with an early rear-mounted original alternator on an 1100. If one goes out on a trip, you are dead in the water. The battery will die very shortly thereafter and you will be stranded.
Furthermore, a new spare alternator for a Honda 1100 four banger would probably cost you in the neighborhood pf $350 nowadays even if you could find one. It's more of an economic issue of benefit versus cash outlay to me.
If you had an outside mounted alternator, you could replace it if it were to fail during a trip, although most automotive-grade alternators are still running at 150,000 miles so there's not much to worry about.
Good luck.
If you don't replace the alternator I would suggest installing a car battery in the hack. That'll go a long ways to get you out of trouble if the charging system goes gunny sack.
Keep it on a battery tender when not in use so it's at full amp hours.
Lonnie
Lonnie, exactly my plan. I already have a spare medium sized car battery handy. gnm109, I am totally adverse to hanging an external alternator. I know it's a practical fix for sure, and I don't mind doing some mods, but generally I like to keep a bike near stock. No one wants to buy something that's been altered too much! I'll keep my eyes peeled for a good deal on a spare. Am considering upgrading to a GL1500, but honestly, everything is contingent on my health and if I'll be able to continue riding much, if at all...
LMC thanks, it's good to know, at least no longer drive a Harley. My friendship II, was originally an older FLH, has become a sheet that looks like a shock absorber for a normal car, a threaded rod directly at the other end.
