Airhead Charging System Improvements

Open question for the qroup:

I would like to upgrade the charging system on my 84 R100RS (think driving lights as I live in an area with an abundance of large rodents (deer)). At the risk of opening a can of "electrons", I am trying to decide on an aftermarket charging system upgrade.

Thoughts:

I like the looks of the new Enduralast system, however, have some heartburn about the way the voltage is regulated. We use a lot of SCR's in my work and they are very reliable . However, the Omega system is a proven unit with "billions" of miles and uses a more "conventional" regulator which also has a long history (we use lots of these in power supplies for communications equipment). My wife says Engineers think too much, but neither is cheap.

Question:

How many of you are using the Omega system?

How many are using the Enduralast?

What are the Omega drawbacks/complaints?

What failures of either system has anyone had?

thanks for the advice.

dj

I have been using the Omega for over 15K miles on a 1995 R100R. I like it very much. It did have some problems though, one was that I had an intermittantly-shorting rotor. Rick Jones claims that it's the only one he's seen and he was very helpful, sending out a replacement very quickly. It took a few months of hair-pulling to diagnose the problem though, and it burned up a few voltage regulators and a diode board in the process. Rick was very helpful and supportive through it all, and was just as eager to learn what the strange problem was as I was. Some time later I paid Rick a visit at Motorrad Elektric HQ and he showed me the bad rotor I sent in and demonstrated some of the tests to which he'd subjected it. One thing I'll say with emphasis: Rick Jones is a fine gentleman and he stands behind what he sells!
Then seven months ago, OF COURSE while I was on the road, the GEN light came on at some times when it should not have and I had to buy another battery and disconnect the headlamp and run total-loss to my destination. In this case the problem was that the big red wire from the starter to the diode board had burnt itself to a crisp. Some friends and I found that several of the wires supplied in the Omega kit, which are thicker gauge and use better terminals than the original BMW wires, had some loose terminal-crimps. We re-crimped them and when I got home I soldered them just for good measure.
The most load I've ever put on the system in addition to the bike's operation (about 100W), was a pair of Motolights (70W), heated grips (maybe 35W?) and a heated vest that a friend wore when we switched bikes (the grips were on at the time as it was a chilly day). No problem.
I think my experience with the Omega was much more troublesome than most, but in spite of this I still like it very much. It performs as advertised and has served very heartily. I highly recommend it!

I'm an Enduralast user!

I installed the enduralast system this past winter on my 83 r110rs. I only have a 2 0r 3 thousand miles on it so far. No issues to date and the charging starts very early as claimed. The only minor complaint i have is that i had to make up all my own connectors, not a big deal, but the instructions tell you to cut off some of the connectors on the regulator to install different ones. I had suggested that this be done at the point of sale, with a universal type harness supplied. I am not sure if John has done that or not. I followed his instructions to the letter, and everything has worked from day one. Overall i am pleased with the system. I ran my gerbings jacket all winter, mostly at low RPM, due to stop lights, and never a problem.
tony

Another Omega user

I have that 400 Watt system on both my airheads. No concern with my silver bike. I did the installation and it was easy. Have a powerful soldering iron so the heat stays at the connections, and doesn't migrate up the wire to burn the insulation.

On the black bike, the running lights came with 85W halogens. The bike was freshly rebuilt and the lights brand new. On a fast shake down run through the desert in the heat of summer the 170W of lights on top of the draw required to operate the headlight and ignition melted the diode board. Rick replaced it quickly with no questions. Now I run 2 35 W bulbs during the winter so I can still run heated gear (vest @ 45W & gloves @ 22W). In the summer I run 2 55W bulbs. I try to keep the total draw not higher than 300W. Wanna buy some barely used 85 Watt driving light bulbs?

I intalled an Omega system on the R100/Ural sidecar rig, and have been VERY pleased with the upgrade.

Let's face it: the original charging system was acceptable for 1971, when you could run without your headlight, and electric vests had yet to be available in quantity. Today, a charging system with a measly 200+ watts is not acceptable.

If you havn't spent a pile of dough on one of the newer wonder-bikes, you can probably afford to spring for a charging system.

Yes, Motorrad Elektric are helpful and trustworthy.

pmdave

Another idea here!

R100'78 here and I use high powered bulb in BMW stock headlight. My bulb is a bit different, being from a specialty off road shop for dune buggies,etc.. Its 120 high/80 low provides a ton of light, without any need for driving lights,imo.. If you can't see with this one, maybe you're in trouble in the sight department. My R100 has had this one "non replaced bulb" now for over 10 years. A lot of hassle free use, with no side affects. I think the bulb is from Sylvania or Phillips!? Pretty sure its one of these. Illegal?YES, but never questioned by cops. My Beemer has handled the extra load, without fail. I have no heated grips, I use heated vest, ride solo, GPS in use and have voltmeter in my dash for constant readout from battery. Never lost any voltage with standard alternator. I don't seem to be drawing enough to change my system. Animals here, too and ride it at night at least four nights a week to work. At 53, my sight is not where it once was, but still Aok with glasses and I find my headlight has more than enough. Ton better than stock.

Charging System decision

Group;

Your comments have helped me make a decision.

Talked with John Rayski at Euro MotoElectrics today. He answered the questions I had about the requlation system. So . . . . I've decided to use the EnDuralast system on the RS. I just think it is "better" for my application.
Should be able to install it next weekend, will post an update after installation and testing.

Thanks to everyone for the input.

dj

EnDuralast charging system

I have installed the EnDuralast system on my 84 100 RT. It still draws off the battery at idle. By 1500 rpm it is charging and is at near maximum output at 3000 rpm. I expect it to be reliable and if so I highly recommend this system for ample electrical power for the airhead. Expect a mild new whine sound from it.

The Euro MotoElectrics web site has detailed info pictures and instructions.

For battery I say forget wet or gell cells and use an AGM battery the Panasonic LC-X1220P or LC-X1228P from Digikey or a Westco battery.

If you want a simple low cost improvement to the stock charging system use a new adjustable regulator and set to the battery manufacture's recommended cycle charging voltage at high rpm. For the Panasonic it is 14.45 volts.

Omega me

Have had the Omega on also for 2 years no problems. Rick was helpfull when I bought a Dyna coil from him also. Its nice Quality gear. The Diode board that comes with it is a fine stout piece, Worth the expense. His starter looks very attractive, so when this valeo goes its a call to Rick. Hope he'll be in business forever. 2 Thumbs Way Up!!