6V to 12V on bike?

[Bijl]

I know this is not a forum for motorcycles, but I know here are people who would be able to help me.

I have a `88 Kawasaki Agi which works on 6V, is there any way to modify it so the lights run on 12V?

There will have to 2 circuits, 1 for the ignition being 6V and the second for the rest being 12V?

Is it at all possible or am I dreaming?

[Mud Dog]

Why would you want to change it? Anything is possible if you throw enough money, time and effort at it. You could just use a step up transformer from 6 to 12v for the lights only which I think will be the simplest solution ... you'd just have to find a suitable place to install it ... bikes don't have a lot of space for such 'extras'.

[Family_Dog]

Transformer won't work, Andy. The bike power supply is DC, not AC. One could possibly fit an Inverter - if you could find one!

I would rather convert the whole bike to 12v, but that would mean a new charging system (magneto??) and of course globes all round. I would think you could keep the 6v starter, it will spin a bit faster but should still work well enough for the few brief seconds it takes to start the engine. I don't know hjow a bike's ignition system works - coils or electronic discharge?

Many moons ago I converted an old 6v Fleetline-type VW Kombi to 12v, simply changed the generator, wiper motor, coil and globes. I drove it for another 5 years before selling it with the original starter, no problems experienced. The improvement in lights from an old 6v incandescent bulb to a H4 Halogen globe was like night and day!


-F_D

[krazy_kameleon]

Hi Simon,

I did the same as F_D but on a 6v beetle. we also did an old 6v Yamaha when I was a teen.

The bike we changed still used points though. if yours uses an ignitor you may need to see if you can find a 12V one that will work.

If you can I would suggest the following -
change battery
change coil
change ignitor
change globes
change flasher relay

I would use the original alternator/magneto to save cost and just "top-up" charge the battery every now and then.

try these guys for reasonable parts and some advise

http://www.startline.co.za" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; they also do mail order

Rick

[kfxnando]

Well, all the points that I was going to make have already been made!!
Agree100%!! Every thing is possible!!

However is it worth the effort and the cost!!
Posibly not!!

Any case, all the possible variables have been mentioned!!

Good luck!!

[OOOOMS]

Simon, can't you get 6v globes?

[Bijl]

Thanx for all the help guys!
I`ll only be looking at the bike again next week.
The reason I want to change to 12v is to get better lighting, the 6v bulbs are useless and as far as I know a gps does not work on 6v.

My right leg is the only starter the bikes got, so thats 1 less thing to worry about.

I`ll take a look at the ignition system and compile a price guide, then take it from there.

Dont want to break my head on it just jet, must get my exam finished first. (This forum is not good if you need to study!)

[Ali3n]

Hi Simon, Take a look at the link. It might help.
http://www.sweller.co.uk/mz/mods/mod_6con.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck.