Gregory Bender

Generator alternative

Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, and 850 California Police models

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Thanks to Gerhard Ziesemann for sending me this information via email. In Gerhard's own words:

I also read your articles on generator conversion and would like to present my power plant version. It's a Bosch 14 volt 38 amp generator as used in a number of Volkswagen cars and vans. The maximum output is 458 watt and it offers sufficient electricity for heating handlebars, saddle and sidecar seat in the winter season.

458 watt Bosch generator on left, original 300 watt Bosch generator on right.
458 watt Bosch generator on left, original 300 watt Bosch generator on right.

Photo courtesy of Gerhard Ziesemann.

I prefer this version to modern three-phase generators because it is extremely near to the original as it slightly differs in diameter (105 mm vs. 101 mm) and length and it can be used with the original bracket and needs only a minimum of work to adapt. Just chop off the Volkswagen air-cooling fan and put the Marelli drive wheel on it.

Orgininal numbers of my generator conversion:

Generator

Voltage regulator