Ironhead My XLCH/XLR Hybrid build

[needspeed]

Originally Posted by xlh59

.. the engine used a front mount magneto.

-- eventually I am forced to use mufflers on the road.

Concerning eventual road riding and the front mount mag:
Is there a plan for modifications to drive a generator and install lights and another ignition source?

[xlh59]

Hi needspeed,

yes, I have been working on the elctrical/street legal system already. Luckily the only things I need is a horn and front/back light. I will use a system with "quick release" so that only the wiring will stay on the bike when on the track.

To get the required energy I am currently working an a mini-alternator that will be mounted in place of the tach drive/vertical magneto -- might be interesting for others as well.

[joe s]

For what it's worth, I converted my 1976 Yamaha RD400 race bike to street duty in order to sell it. It had a CDI ignition with no lighting coils. Rather than change that, I installed an LED bulb in the stock headlight reflector, and mounted a modern LED brake and tail light to the rear. I wired it up to a small 12v alarm battery as a constant loss system, with no charging. The LED light wasn't very bright, but it lasted a few hours on the battery. I told the buyer what I did and he wasn't concerned, as he wasn't planning to ride it at night either, it was just a toy.

[11B40]

I see a bunting bronze spacer replacing the rocker arm springs. I had that on mine, worked perfect. A Cook Nielson tip of the week. I had one left and sent it to Gene where it will sit and age like it did for 35 years in my tool box.

Years ago Carl told me about a supposed Charging magneto that would work fine and still power the ignition. George Pounden's shop was right next door, I should have asked him when he was alive.I've never seen one but it they ever made one, the good Doctor will know about it. I like everything about that motorcycle. Love the paint the black tin cover the early drum brakes. That is every boy's dream Sportster. Outstanding!

[Ferrous Head]

the distributor that was lying on my workbench

You should clean up your workbench and put all your Lawill ignition units in their own drawer or storage box.

Using the front mount magneto brings a few problems with it.

Biggest one I had was the plug wires falling out.

I solved that by using Enfield Racing's mag cap. Much more secure and the leads never fall out.

Had to use a KR style tach mount but mechanical tachs don't last long anyway. Vibrations kill them pretty quickly. They are only there to impress the punters in any case.

Tried using electronic tachs. Scitsu don't work well with the Morris mag. Too much output. Like trying to measure lightning.

[Ferrous Head]

I see a bunting bronze spacer replacing the rocker arm springs. I had that on mine, worked perfect. A Cook Nielson tip of the week. I had one left and sent it to Gene where it will sit and age like it did for 35 years in my tool box.

I think it's in my 58 CH. Surprisingly, that one came with rocker box springs still in there.

Replacing those springs is one of the few "free horsepower" tips Francis Beart taught me 50 years ago.

Anything you can do to reduce friction has the same effect as increasing HP.

It's why you find ball bearings used in the "race" versions of Harley's engines.

[davixlrtt]

Originally Posted by needspeed

Concerning eventual road riding and the front mount mag:
Is there a plan for modifications to drive a generator and install lights and another ignition source?

Hello Mr59, I absolutely love your machine, I ride a similar style bike although mine has a fairly standard motor and altogether looks very shabby. I have no horn or lights of any kind and have a generator block off plate. I live in Northern Ireland and can use it in daylight hours only, also there is no annual inspection on these older vehicles here. Germany seems very strict regarding modifications and one off builds, I read the nightmare stories in magazines about custom bike builders.
……Davi.
P.s. please post more photos.

[RicThompson]

On your alternative alternator plan since you are making it removable here's another possibility. Pick up a smaller automotive style alternator build a bracket to mount off swing arm where it could drive off of rear tire and stay in contact with tire as shocks travel. That is how many of the old police bike sirens operated.

[brucstoudt]

besides the frame both brake drums and the aluminum fender struts are rare KR/XLR parts.