Electrical system changes

[xswisconsin]

Hello all,

This is my first post. I have finally decided to work on my xs650. I am going to be doing a cafe build. I haven't driven it in a while but from what I can remember it was easy to start. Is it worth it to redo the ignition and charging system or keep the old system. Second question: What are some of your ideas to hide the electrical system (I want a clean look). I have read posts about placing the battery under the seat, will this work with a legendary cafe seat or just with homemade seat.

I am very impressed with this forum, thanks in advance for your help.

Nate

 

[Downeaster]

Ignition upgrades may or may not be useful, depending on what year your bike is.

A working TCI is fine, an older points system, not so much.

JMHO, YMMV.

 

[xswisconsin]

Bike is an 81 xs650sh. My goal is to have a smooth reliable machine when I am done.

 

[retiredgentleman]

I agree with Downeaster. The TCI is a very good ignition. So, if it gives good spark, just keep using it.

Same thing for the stock charging system. If it works, stay with it. A properly working charging system should give you 14.1 volts (measure at the battery) when the engine revs up to 3000 rpm. Replace the brushes if they are less than 3/8" long. Clean the slip rings with some fine emery paper once a year.

The best thing for the electrics, is to take apart each connector (yes there are a lot), and clean then up so they are bright and shiny. Use a little dielectric grease on connectors to keep dirt and corrosion out.

Don't be surprised, if other posters recommend you buy a PMA (non stock alternator). Just be aware, if you replace the stock alternator with a PMA, you will lose the use of the TCI. Then you will have to spend more money to buy another ignition system.

 

[xswisconsin]

Thanks,

I think I will try to stick to stock, but just hide it better, seems things were just put all over the bike for no apparent reason. I am thinking of making an electronics pan to sit under the seat, housing all that I can fit in there.

 

[xswisconsin]

can you use led lighting with the stock system or do I need to change the relays.

Nate

 

[grepper]

Yes, you can used LEDs, but there are things you need to do to make the blinkers work. Read the posts about LEDs in the tech section.

 

[retiredgentleman]

can you use led lighting with the stock system or do I need to change the relays.

Nate

If you have the stock tail light, those two # 1157 bulbs are real wattage hogs. I only had one #1157 bulb in my tail light, and I replaced it with an LED................makes the electrical system work better.

 

[xswisconsin]

I read somewhere that putting LED turn signals on will not trigger the stock flasher, is this correct?

 

[Downeaster]

I read somewhere that putting LED turn signals on will not trigger the stock flasher, is this correct?

Yes, but it's easily remedied by using a flasher designed for LED signals. Plugs right into the stock harness.

 

[nj1639]

If you have the stock tail light, those two # 1157 bulbs are real wattage hogs. I only had one #1157 bulb in my tail light, and I replaced it with an LED................makes the electrical system work better.

Amazing difference.....should have done it years ago. Just swapped my stocker bulb out for the led brake/runner and when I hit the brake there's almost zero draw displayed on my mounted voltmeter. A bit pricey for a lightbulb at around 8 bucks a pop......

 

[retiredgentleman]

Amazing difference.....should have done it years ago. Just swapped my stocker bulb out for the led brake/runner and when I hit the brake there's almost zero draw displayed on my mounted voltmeter. A bit pricey for a lightbulb at around 8 bucks a pop......

For sure nj, the LED's draw almost no power, compared to the old incadescents. Make sure you do a visual check from behind, so that you're confident that the LED is bright enough for safety.

 

[nj1639]

For sure nj, the LED's draw almost no power, compared to the old incadescents. Make sure you do a visual check from behind, so that you're confident that the LED is bright enough for safety.

Right on RG! I used to just watch the voltage drop on the voltmeter to tell me it was working.

 

[XSLeo]

Using a smaller battery makes it easier to hide. I got a Ballistic 8 cell battery. Is is about half the size of the stock battery, weighs about 1.7 lbs and cranks the e start just fine.
Leo