82 R65LS

[jgp1854]

Members,

Is there anything to gain on my R65LS by upgrading the ignition/charging system?

thanks

jgp

[montmil]

If you still run the OEM Crack-O-Matic coil, the Dyna "brown" would be a nice ignition upgrade along with fresh plug wires and a pair of NGK caps. Reliable ignition is a good thing, Jimmy.

My battery is much happier and stronger since I dumped the OEM voltage regulator and installed the solid state, plug n' play unit from Motorrad Elektrik. Reliable and stronger battery power is another good thing.

Simple and easy upgrades.

[georgesgiralt]

Hello !
An Ls has electronic ignition. So nothing to gain unless it is broken.
The charging system is another discussion if you plan to use heavy electric load like heated grips heated jacket, additional lamps, etc...
Bear in mid that the most powerful available charging systems are 450 W so not a so huge upgrade from the 280 W of your stock charging system... And the cost is high...
So if one major component broke, you should question upgrading but otherwise, I would not change anything, but it just me ....

[Barry]

I would consider the a high set point voltage regulator particularly if you do short journeys or if you have the type of battery that likes a slightly higher charge voltage. Cost is very low and it's a worthwhile upgrade to try before splashing out on a very expensive uprated alternator that you might not need.

First step with a fully charged battery is to measure your charge voltage at 3000+ RPM with an accurate digital meter. Anything under 14.0 volts is less than ideal.  

[Bob_Roller]

When your current battery finally quits, I would suggest an AGM type battery .

If the bike doesn't get ridden frequently, a battery 'tender' is a good way to keep the battery at full charge .

Two mods that I did recently on my R65's, was to replace the negative cable from the battery to the vent bolt on the transmission .

I used a pre made cable from an auto-parts store and moved the grounding point from the trans vent bolt, to the forward side of the lower right engine to transmission bolt .

The other was, I made up a heavy gauge wire (10 ga US wire size, 3 sq mm) and ran it from the main grounding point for the bikes electrical systems (on the '81 and later bikes) the voltage regulator attach screw/bolt, back to the negative post of the battery .

A 330 ohm resistor placed in between the two wires for the 'GEN' light in the tachometer, will prevent the loss of your charging system, if the light bulb for the 'GEN' light burns out, (yes, it's that important!!!!!!)

One thing you may want to do, is to go through all of the electrical connections on the bike and make sure they are clean and secure .

The two most common charging system failures are the diode board and alternator rotor .

There are aftermarket replacements for the diode board that are a heavy duty part that can handle the job better than the OEM part and are in the same price range as the OEM part .

The after market charging systems are a bit pricey, the Omega from Motorrad Elektrik is $575US, the Enduralast from Eutomoto Electrics is  $500US .

A comparison test was done of both charging systems by Snowbum, an engineer turned BMW enthusiast .

The test showed the Enduralast system was not putting out anywhere  near the rated wattage, don't know if that was just an issue with the system they tested , or if it is what the system really puts out .

http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/AftrMrktAlt.htm

[Dave 2]

Is there anything to gain on my R65LS by upgrading the ignition/charging system?

Interesting question for me because I'm close to reinstalling the wire harnesses and electronics. I happen to have a fine example of the "Crack-o-Matic" coil so that is the first thing to replace. I plan to call Mottorrad Elektrik to go over my options with the owner. My budget may require a step by step approach to a complete upgrade. From all that I have heard from the forum members this may not be a bad idea for you. Good luck, D2

[jgp1854]

Thanks everyone.  

I will taking the LS to sunny Florida January 1 for a bit of a respite til weather breaks here in northern Michigan.  The plan will be to get rid of the "crack o magic" and replace with a the new improved version.  I have already replaced the plug wires with OEM metal capped version, (hope that wasn't a mistake, their pricey).

M2 - the exhaust cans look GREAT, I could hear the LS say, after the install, "now were talking".

As always this forum and its members are "priceless".  Have a very Merry Christmas.  Be safe if you are in Spring Hill Florida area contact me, we'd love the company.  I'll be monitoring the forum from there.

Regards,

Jimmy

[bruce_launceston]

I ditched the metal caps early on as they shorted out in the rain. Been running the NGK plug caps on the genuine copper core leads.

[jgp1854]

Arrived in Florida took the LS for a 60 mile run, arrived home it shut it down.  Went out the next am to stert her up and no "spark" on the right side, and very little on the left.  It wouldn't start.  Called Rick @ Motorrad Electric, he said the issue is the "crack-o-magic" coil........ordered a new one along with new plug wires.   Removed the OEM coil and holly crap, multiple cracks on the underside and rear.  So I'm waiting on the new coil and mounting bracket to get her back on the road.

Thanks for all the advice

Jgp

[nhmaf]

Glad that you made it to FL!

Many of us have come by our knowledge the hard way

[Red_Hen]

And +1 about Bruce's comment on switching to plastic NGK cap