gregory bender
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/gtbender
If you are just running stock electrics, you will find the 300 watt loop frame generator to be more than adequate. However, if you start adding lights, heated clothing, etc., you will find that the power supply is not limitless. Loop frame alternator conversions have been around for a long time in various formats. Here are a few examples.
Greg Field and Bob Nolan put a loop frame alternator conversion kit together and have made it available. I have purchased and installed the kit. It is top notch in every respect and very well done. I am very pleased with how it fits and the power output is fantastic, even at idle. I have nothing but good things to say about this kit. If you are interested in purchasing it, please contact Greg Field directly at greguzzi>at<comcast.net. Here are some words from Greg Field describing the conversion:
Bob Nolan and I are selling a complete kit to replace the 300w generator on your V700, Ambassador, V7 Special, or Eldorado with a 600w Nippon Denso alternator.
The kit includes a new ND 600-watt alternator, a mounting bracket that replaces the generator bracket, and all wiring necessary to make it integrate with the stock wiring. It all bolts right on and requires no changes of any kind to stock parts, not even the generator-belt cover or stock wiring connectors.
The alternator is brand new and covered by an ND warranty. It has an internal regulator. Two wires are necessary to run it: one to the battery and another that connects to switched power. A third wire is optional and goes to the charging light on your dash.
The bracket is welded of 1/4-inch steel. It mounts to the two stock mounting bolts to the engine block. We also added a strap that bolts to the front bolt of the distributor. It will be painted. Bob and I will warranty the bracket as follows: If it cracks or breaks within a year, we'll fix or replace it.
The wiring harness consists of two wires and an adaptor connector. One wire carries the generated electricity to the battery. Another short wire connects to switched power at the coil. The adaptor connector allows attachment of the stock wiring for the generator light on your dash.
Installation is simple and straightforward. The included instructions are great. Do take the time to install studs to secure the bracket to the block (rather than Guzzi's original bolts).
On my maiden voyage I had trouble with the connector to the idiot light coming loose. The first time I thought perhaps I had failed to connect it. The second time I knew something was up and I gave the female spade connector a little squeeze with my pliers from the toolkit. It still wiggled loose. I solved the problem by replacing the adapter with a simple female spade connector - no more disconnects for 1,000 + miles.
I took these pictures of the alternator conversion Maynard (Neil Hemenway) did on his Eldorado at the MGNOC 2004 National Rally. I hope they prove useful to those interested in such a transformation.
Thanks to Paul Linn, Kevin Hahn, and Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle for posting this information on the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group and sending me some of this information in private emails.
If you want to build your own bracket and are wondering which alternator to use, the Nippon Denso 100211-1670 or Nippon Denso 100211-4520 is a great choice. Here are some cross-references:
Alternator Dimensions. Photo courtesy of www.jegs.com.
Kubota 40 amp alternator.
Kubota 40 amp alternator.
Kubota 40 amp alternator.
Kubota 40 amp alternator.
Kubota 40 amp alternator.
Powermaster 50 amp alternator.
Powermaster 50 amp alternator.
Wiring diagram for Nippon Denso alternator. Originally intended for the Suzuki Samarai.
A more complete wiring diagram for Nippon Denso alternator. It is unknown what the original application of this wiring diagram was for.