So I'm pretty weak on 2 things when it comes to bikes... electrical and carbs.
I need to figure out if I should purchase a different alternator, and what my drive ratio needs to be for my pulleys. For aesthetics, I'd love to go to a 1:1 ratio, but I'm thinking a minimum of 2:1 might be necessary so the alternator will charge properly.
Below is the spec sheet that came with the alternator I purchased. It's a cheap ebay 1-wire, 35 AMP unit.
I got the 1-wire alternator for it's simplicity, but didn't realize that you need to reach a certain RPM for the alternator to turn on. Once it's on, it will remain charging until the bike shuts off again. A 3-wire alternator will begin charging as soon as the bike starts.
According to the sheet, this particular alternator turns on at 1490 RPM.
From what I've read, the ideal idle for an xs650 is about 1200 RPM. If I go with a 2:1 pulley ratio, assuming I'm idling at 1200 RPM, the output would be 27 AMPS. (according to the sheet)
Is that good?
They do make a 70 AMP 3-wire alternator that is the same size as the one I bought. I can't find a spec sheet like the one that came in the box, but if it's always charging, and has a higher output, it would stand to reason I might be able to go with the 1:1 ratio (which again, is purely for aesthetics).
I welcome help, opinions, debate... keeping in mind that I'm just doing this because I want to, not because it makes sense