CB 550 magneto? alternator? Want more amps....

 Excuse the stupidity.  The early 1970s CB550s had a magneto, right?
And no alternator or generator?  I've got one of these engines in a
4-wheel buggy, and the buggy has off-road lights and a need for more
electricity than the cycle (has elec. cooling fan also).  Do they make
more powerfull magnetos for motorcycles, the way you can get an
upgraded alternator for a truck?

I could mount an alternator somewhere on the buggy, but wanted to see
what other options I have before I do that.  An upgraded magneto sounds
clean, if possible, and maybe wouln't reduce power very much?  I'd like
to put even more lights on it, a CB, and maybe a stereo.  It currently
has two small off-road style head-lights, and an electric fan.  The
battery doesn't drain with one or the other, but with both on it does,
and I pretty much need the fan on all of the time.

 eselk@surfbest.net wrote:

Assuming they are the same as the other CB series (I only have
experience with the 400s and 750s) then they have an alternator.

When the alternator on my dad's CB400F went bad, he did this:

http://xs49.xs.to/pics/05400/400Falt2.jpg
http://xs49.xs.to/pics/05400/400Falt1.jpg

That's a standard GM 1 wire alternator (took care of having to worry
about regulator/rectifier etc.)  I think he put on a 100 amp one - so it
would have plenty of power for what you need.  Was fairly simple to do
as well.

As for upgrading the one in your CB500 motor - probably not.  They are
put in a VERY limited space, at one end of the crankshaft.  They usually
use pretty much ALL the available space that is within the case.

 
Outback Jon wrote:


I've seen the same arrangement on someone's UJM-powered Burning Man
contraption. Very agricultural..but when you've got a giant bunny-head
some or some such bolted to the rig, I suppose a sanitary installation
goes out the window.


cds

 

Outback Jon wrote:

I've read that if you jump start a bike off of a car, make sure that the
car isn't running because the automobile's alternator puts out enough
power to fry the bike's electrical system.  How does your dad get around
that problem?  Is he stepping down the amperage somehow?

 mad scientist wrote:

Nope.  It really isn't an issue.  An alternator CAN provide more amps,
but unless the bike DRAWS them, it won't.

Same with jump starting off of a car.  (Although I am sure someone will
respond shortly about how it is a bad idea)  I've done it - with the car
running and not running.  Cars and bikes operate at the same voltages.
Difference between a car battery at rest (12v) and with motor running
(13.5v - usually) shouldn't be enough to overtax the bike's electrical
system unless something was already causing a problem.

I ran my CB750F (1980) off a jumpstart pack a couple of times to get it
home when I was having electrical problems.  Considering that it
provides enough power to jump start a car, I wouldn't worry about it.

However, since a car battery has MORE than enough capacity to jump start
a bike, I'd leave the car off most times.  Just for safety.  (Charging
batteries produce hydrogen)