I have been putting off getting the Pamco and replacing the old generator etc. on my 1972 XS. I have replaced the advancer and the points once. Nothing is wrong yet, as it has only 7k original miles on it. I ran it all summer last year without one hiccup. I have a new wiring harness sitting in the garage, put new tires on it, repaired most of the usual items...brakes, petcocks, tires, oil filter issues, etc. My questions/Concerns are......What, if anything, is going to eventually wear out first? Where do I start? .....and I see these kits for sale on MIKES XS, Which one will take care of every major upgrade electrically that is needed for my particular bike ( I see them and can't figure out which one to get ). I would like to do this all at once. If there is a thread anyone could recommend, or just give me some solid advice here....I would be very grateful. Most folks on this site have been the beeeeesknees about helping a brother out! Thanks!
Most guys would like to be in your position................nothing is wrong , so life is good!
If your bike starts well and runs strong with points and stock ignition coils, then just carry on using them. If your timing light shows that advancer is controlling the timing between the 2 timing marks, retarted and advanced, then its working OK. Bad things can happen if the timing exceeds the fully advanced mark.
On my 78SE I had weak yellow spark from my stock coils. I changed over to an Accel coil and got a much stronger blue spark. The next year I changed out the points for a Pamco, because I don't like fiddling with points. My ATU (advancer) was worn out, so last year I installed the E-advancer for the Pamco. With no points and no mechanical advancer, there is more time for riding and less time needed for maintenance.
As for your alternator/rectifier/regulator.................those items wear from age, heat and vibration. With only 7K miles, they should still have lots of life left in them. Your stock alternator should keep on working for your, no need to spend money there. Replace brushes at 3/8", clean the slip rings, and replace the battery if it starts to weaken.
The stock rectifier and regulator are both of old design, and I recommend you replace them, even though they are still working. Replace the rectifier with a single 3 phase rectifier, or with 2 bridge rectifiers. Replace the regulator with a VR-115 automotive nos unit.
Replace your tail light with an LED type; the lower current draw makes for a better electrical system.
For a healthy electrical system, you want to see 14.1 volts at the battery, when you rev the engine to 3000 to 3500 rpm. Install a permanent volt meter on your bike.
Enjoy your bike