Popular Rectifier Sources: Here's a List. But Which One?

305explr · Post by **305explr** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 3:23 pm

I have to purchase new points, condenser, and a rectifier for my 63 CB77 rebuild. The bike will be ridden a few times a week, probably. It does not have winkers. I am not building the bike 100% original, and I do like the idea of upgrading the wattage of the bulbs. I'd like it to be as reliable as I can make it.

The electronics aspect of the bike is relatively new to me, and the bike has never run in my possession, so I have little prior knowledge to work with.

Here are the places I've been reading about from others' posts and notes I have taken thus far. Given my needs and wants, which would make the most sense?

Thanks.

1.) http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/rectifiers.html

$20.00. Guaranteed. 42 amp; 3 wire (4th is internal and uses the frame as a ground)

2.) Radio Shack (part #276-1185); some assembly required. No heat sink. $3.00.

3.) RetroBikes (www.olypen.com/retro) 40.00.

4.) http://www.ricksmotorsportelectrics.com. $225.00; it’s a kit. Looks to have a stator also.

25% more output; constant power to the battery; supports a 55 watt headlight.

e3steve · Post by **e3steve** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 3:33 pm

If you wish to improve your lighting output then you'll need to choose option 4, no question; unless you opt for a HID headlight conversion (35/35W) and LED stop/tail, in which case option 1 will be a good choice. You will get an improved rate of charge with no detrimental effects upon your battery provided, of course, that you stay vigilant over the electrolyte level.

It is not possible to successfully support a 55W headlight without improving the alternator's output -- i.e. replacement with one of a higher-current production.

Catch up with my post here http://www.honda305.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2917 documenting my ultimate changes and significant improvements.

68Cb77 · Post by **68Cb77** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:30 pm

when I put my bike back together after a total tear -down, I was wondering what to do about the stock (old orange one) rectifier. I had read on here that one way to tell if the rectifier was still good or not, was if the battery lost charge while the bike was off...the rectifier was shot...So I just put it all back together with the stock old one....I have to say, I was expecting this old of a bike to have pretty poor lights, but was surprised that they work very well....for my money I don't think I'd bother changing anything up, unless like Steve says you want stronger lights. I have a new battery, and if it starts up quick, the battery/charging system keeps up pretty well....I'd say go for the $20 one or the $40 one......unless you are fairly electronically inclined I don't think I'd bother trying to build one...my 2 cents<john>

e3steve · Post by **e3steve** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 5:41 pm

Incidentally, with option 1, the 42-Amp bit is its current-handling capability, not what your charging system will achieve.

Arthur · Post by **Arthur** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 8:55 am

I agree with 68Cb77, above. The original lighting and charging system on these bikes is really quite adequate, even by modern standards. If you want reliability, just leave it stock.

hooptytank · Post by **hooptytank** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 1:46 am

Option 2 hands down!! Picked it up for 2.50 w/ tax. only mod reqd is swapping out eye bolt connectors to female spade type. Got about 1000 miles and 2 years on mine