Honda voltage regulator on British bikes

[richardeblack]

Hello All,
I am humming and hahing about rebuilding my Bonneville which has a single phase alternator.  I have several Honda regulators and would like to use one.  These are, however, for three phase alternators (XBR) and am not sure if I can use them with the two wire alternator.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Richard.

[iansoady]

I don't think you can. There was however a 3 phase alternator fitted to some later Nortons (and Triumphs?) which may only require a new stator. Alternatively (see what I did there?) Al Osborn and others supply decent regulators. http://www.aoservices.co.uk/

[richardeblack]

Thank you for the response.
I have heard from Triumphrat.net forum that I can use the Honda one by just connecting the two alternator wires to any two of the three yellow wires and, providing it is high enough capacity, it will be fine.
I had a look on the AO site and it looks very interesting and I might well use them if the Honda one fails.  I like the idea of their idiot light charge indicator and a couple of other items.  Their regulator is reasonably priced as well if the Honda one doesn't work.
Thanks again for the "alternative" option.  Very amusing.
I will post my results of experimenting if successful (or indeed if not) for other users tempted by the cheap route.
Cheers,
Richard.

[mthee]

I will post my results of experimenting if successful (or indeed if not) for other users tempted by the cheap route.
Cheers,
Richard.

Free info on a cheap fix? You're a man after my own heart!👍

[richardeblack]

Sorry I didn't proceed with that project so forgot all about this. I have since fitted a 3 phase Honda regulator to a BSA using any two of the yellow alternator to regulator wires and it worked fine.Can't remember if it was wired for negative or positive earth but no problem working that out. Found this old post of mine because I've resurrected the Bonneville project and found this.
Cheers.

[iansoady]

Thanks Richard, good to know.