Stock 72 XS, needs modernizing.....What kit to get?

gbobst

Geoffrey
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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!
 
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:bike:
 
Exactly RG

....Stock charging system is still working great on my 74, All I did was replace the mechanical regulator with a solid state one from Oregon Motorcycle parts. Brembo 2 piston brake caliper. And I hate the stock points setup so I replaced it with a pamco. Then the stock mechanical advance gave me probs, so I orded a mikes one which left me stranded cause it blew to pieces....So pamco with e advance the bike is smooth and great.

Decided on a whim to replace my seca 900 coil I am using with a Dyna 3 ohm mini coil. The seca one worked great but i had to solder and extend the stock leads and i decided i didn't want that to give problems later (hasn't yet in 3 years) .

Don't fall for the PMA b.s. and throw a bunch of expensive parts at a bike that is running great. You can do little upgrades like i mentioned to make it even better and not really break the bank so to speak.

OH, change your glass fuse to a modern blade fuse! When i made my harness i used a modern 8 spot blade fuse holder. But you could replace your single tube with a blade.

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Just what I kind of had in mind guys.....makes sense. If it's not broke don't fix it....retiredgentleman, thanks again for your insight here. I will address the rectifier and regulator issue this fine winter season, and hit up the rear bulb. I have not checked the timing and plan to do so as soon as the weather breaks here in Cincinnati. CDNTX650, did the fuse thing way back when I had headlight issues, and I think it is a wise idea I replace the coil. Great feedback as usual from you guys........any other is also welcome!
 
Google it. There is a good wiring diagram on how to make the rectifier. I made one for my last xs. Worked great. Just need two bridge rectifiers and some aluminum and some kind of heat sync paste.
 
Like everyone above said. If your charging and ignition system are running fine, keep them as is. If it aint broke don't fix it. But keep an eye on it.

Also keep an eye on the steering and suspension. Tapered bearing in the neck to wonders for front end handling. The old swing arm bushing tend to wear out. If You might feel a wobble in the rear end, put it up on the center stand and see if there is any play in the swing arm. Also check that fork oil, many owners neglect that.
 
if you want something in between a full on PAMCO set up and stock points, there is this option by a vintage repairman who is Honda focused (His book on CB750's must be seen to be believed) but makes a universal transistorized point system.

It leaves all the hardware in place, wiring in a small box to handle the firing. If the unit were to fail it can be taken out of line quickly and you are back to normal points.

This really stablized my CB550, made it a "one kick" bike and made it much more reliable, and it costs under $90, shipped.

Mark (aka Hondaman) stands by his product and will phone support you personally. Great guy to talk to about bikes, and he loves them all... just Hondas a little more than others. =)

http://sohc4shop.com/catalog/produc...id=32&osCsid=2dccbed2505c0d433768f45ececb5f12
 
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