6 volt to 12 volt

[Fossilrider]

Well, I am starting to assemble the bike since I finally got the frame and other bits painted. As I was going through the bits to see what to put on first, I picked up the regulator (I think, the 3"x4" box under the seat) and thought I had better get some advise on the electrical system. First, is it advisable to upgrade to 12 volt (I would think so), and next what is involved? Then, if I am going to switch to 12 volt, do I still need this part (I wouldn't think so). Any advise would be great. Thanks, Steve

[themoudie]

Aye Steve,

Please could you give your motorcycle details e.g. year, model, cubic capacity and engine and frame numbers if possible?

How 'original' do you intend to keep the machine?

What sort of riding are you envisaging doing once the machine is back on the road?

All these answers will help produce a considered and practical reply, before you start throwing the money about!

Good health, Bill

[Jordan]

Just in case it's of interest, I have run my bike with 6V battery, 12V battery, and now 12V with no battery for the last 100 miles or so.
It is a widecase with CDI.
The scheme has only the two yellow alternator wires connected to a bridge rectifier whose output goes to the loads, and also to a Lucas ZD715 zener diode as regulator.
It all seems to be behaving OK so far.

[Fossilrider]

Hey guys. Silly me! Of course you would need some basic info about the bike. It is a '67 Sebring 350. VIN 04426. I have gone back and forth between stock resto and some type of mild cafe recer. But.... since the bike is so complete and obviously low miles, I lean more toward stock, with a few cosmetic mods. It came with the "square(ish)" tank and fenders which are plain ugly to me so I have a couple options with the earlier tank and fenders as well as a Benelli tank. I keep a stable of bikes/projects so none of them get ridden a lot, individually. It will be ridden mainly as an occasional fun/weekend/bike night type of rider. Nothing hard ( I have others for that, and long rides). I do want reliability and ease of maintenance. While I have your ears, also what size tires are best for this bike? Thanks much. Steve

[ducwiz]

A question adressing the 6-12 V conversion: how many wires come from the alternator inside - two or three? And which of the following figures shows yor R-R ?

34.72.13.jpg

34.41.06.jpg

Hans

[Fossilrider]

Hi Hans. I am not near the bike now. I keep most of my bikes at my shop 15 miles from home so I will check the wires tomorrow when I get there. I can say that the regulator is the top one pictured in your reply. If it isn't a huge deal or a great expense I would probably want to do the 12 volt conversion. That said, I deal with a lot of different makes of vintage bikes but really don't know how good/bad these Ducati singles electrical system is. So I guess what I really need to know is whether the stock system is OK for the purpose I will use the bike for, or not. Thanks so much for the reply. Steve

[ducwiz]

Steve,

seems you have a N/C Sebring, with the 6V/60W alternator, and only 2 wires coming from the stator. This system cannot be easily converted to 12V, as a wire connection on the alternator stator has to be changed. http://ducatimeccanica.com/12_volt_conversion/default.html tells what has to be done. In addition, you need of course a 12V R-R. Some guys here use a simple silicon rectifier bridge and a Lucas 12V Zener diode. I prefer a 5-wire shunt regulator-rectifier, used in chinese scooters, like this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-Wire-Regulator-Rectifier-Chinese-12v-ATV-Dirt-Bike-Go-Kart-150cc-200cc-250cc/142763028294?epid=1463795277&hash=item213d56ef46:g:KjoAAOSwAhNa2Cve. It provides a more precise voltage regulation compared to the Lucas Zener. You can search the forum for more information about the topic.

cheers Hans

[ranton_rambler]

I converted my 2-wire generator to 12V. Reg-rec is an Electrex, which can be used for either 12V or 6V. I unsoldered the centre earth wire on the stator and covered it with heat shrink sleeve.
Ian

[Fossilrider]

Thanks again guys. I just got home from my shop and found that my bike does indeed have two wires from the alternator. I guess I just need to dig a little deeper to see exactly what is involved, how much it will cost, and, more importantly I guess, whether or not I really need to do the swap. Like I said, if the 6 volt system is sufficient I guess there is no real need to do it. If the bike starts and runs fine and the lights work well enough I guess I can just leave it and spend the time/funds elsewhere. Regards, Steve

[Fossilrider]

Thanks again guys. I just got home from my shop and found that my bike does indeed have two wires from the alternator. I guess I just need to dig a little deeper to see exactly what is involved, how much it will cost, and, more importantly I guess, whether or not I really need to do the swap. Like I said, if the 6 volt system is sufficient I guess there is no real need to do it. If the bike starts and runs fine and the lights work well enough I guess I can just leave it and spend the time/funds elsewhere. Regards, Steve