Stronger Alternator

[aogop]

I would like to see the DL1000's electrical system be able to handle every single one of the various farkles we would all want on our bikes (heated clothing, aux. lighting, GPS/SAT radio etc.) without any mods. The aftermarket is pretty strong on all the other items I want on my bike.

[Fourvalve]

Amen to that!!! I had to add an Electrosport stator to my Wee-Strom to handle the load, and a voltmeter to monitor.

[Gravehunter]

Amen to that!!! I had to add an Electrosport stator to my Wee-Strom to handle the load, and a voltmeter to monitor.


How long have you had your electrosport stator? No problems with it?

[Fourvalve]

I've had it for about a year now, without a single problem. The dealer put it in for $54.

[Jstrom]

Been thinking about mounting an external belt drive alternator ala BMW and MG. Possibly a nice little Denso unit with 1000 watt output or so. Would require a little machine and fabrication work but I think its possible. Done right it might not be so ugly either. Would also require a stronger reg/rec but that should be easy to source from the aftermarket. Would leave stock unit in place so as not to upset balance at crank and drive external with adaptor/stator bolt from end of crankshaft. Lets hear from the engineers and others out there as to the feasability of this idea. Hey - its just a thought.

[Fourvalve]

I saw a setup like you're outlining on a BMW Airhead last summer at their national rally in Wisconsin, using a small Japanese alternator nicely integrated into the front cover of the engine, driven by a v-belt off of the crank. I'd think doing something like this to the Strom would quite a bit more involved, though...

[Jstrom]

An adaptor bolt, support bearing and seal for the case, two pulleys, one belt and alternator, mounting brackets and belt guard/cover, assorted wiring and connectors. I work for an engineering firm as a testing rigger and have access to the machine shop and CAD programs. I'm going to run this by one our engineers and lead test tech and see what they think. Most of us are riders including the boss so this might turn into an intersting little in shop exercise. Now, where's that number for the Patent office.....

[dakarrider]

Lets get back on track here, the thread isn't about possible after market fixes for the system (which may be possible), it's about how Suzuki should fix it at the factory.

I agree the DL1000 needs a stronger (more output) alternator able to handle more after market farkles like additinoal lights, heated grips and clothing, GPS, etc...

I would prefer that Suzuki also backward designed this improved system so that those of us with slightly older bikes (2004 DL1000 in my case) could buy this part as an upgrade and do it in our garage:cool:.

[Stromin'Nroman]

I remember reading a post here some time ago describing the limitations inherent in the type of system on these bikes.

I don't think a retrofit would be possible even if Suzuki, in the unlikely event, were to be so inclined.

That's why we're persuing wind power here at the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen.