How does the battery get charged on a Dream?

styxjr · Post by **styxjr** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:22 pm

Hi, I have a dumb question ... does the Dream have a battery charging system? I have a '66 Dream with a 12N9-3A Interstate Cycle-Tron battery that I have to take out and charge every two weeks approximately. My thinking is that these bikes did not have a battery charging system on them? I've seen posts that mention a "tender". Is that something that acts like a battery charger?

Hahnda · Post by **Hahnda** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:27 pm

Yes they have a charging system. If running with your headlight on all the time it is quite possible that the charging system is not able to keep up. A battery tender is a low amp battery charger/maintainer that many people will use when the bike is not in use.

styxjr · Post by **styxjr** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:51 pm

Thanks Kevin,

After further reading I've also learned that a new rectifier might help me, and that the middle position on the dimmer switch is supposed to charge the battery. I have to learn to read more first, then ask.

Thanks again,
- styxjr

Tango911 · Post by **Tango911** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 6:17 am

if you keep a trickle charger on the battery that will help too. since i only ride mine every two weeks or so, i put a charger on it the day before just to make sure she's fully charged. you can learn how to check your charging system with a meter also.

pknopp · Post by **pknopp** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 7:12 pm

Mine has remained charged even through the winter. I did ride it on occasion (40 plus days). I've been lucky though as old Honda's have never been known for their charging systems.

mschehen · Post by **mschehen** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 9:16 pm

I bought the rectifier that the guy from Portland sells on ebay. Shipped it was around $30 and so far has worked well. I ride once or twice a week during the summer and even without using a tender it always starts. I do use a battery tender during the winter and have also switched over to one of the sealed batteries somebody else mentioned on the forum a month or so ago. I also got this on ebay and it was around $25 shipped, about half what I have paid for batteries for my bikes in the past. Hope this helps.

Hahnda · Post by **Hahnda** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 9:27 pm

If you want a new rectifier that looks like an original but works with more modern technology.

http://www.olypen.com/retro/31700-259-030.htm

Then there is always the $3 Radio Shack rectifier.
http://physiology.usouthal.edu/restore/diode/diode.html

The one from Oregon Motorcycle Parts is a similar solution but its ready to install.
http://oregonmotorcycleparts.com/rectifiers.html

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How does the battery get charged on a Dream?

How does the battery get charged on a Dream?

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New rectifier