GL1800 Alternator Change On Trike

[rhino65]

Anyone change the alternator on gl1800 that has a trike conversion on it? I've heard some say it's easier since there's no rear wheel in the way on trikes

[GoldWingrGreg]

Most will remove the fuel tank to get to the inner alt. mount bolt. On some trikes that can be more difficult if it has a aux fuel tank that sits behind the OEM one. Unless a Wing has one of those au. fuel tanks, I find removing the fuel tank the easiest and fastest method. Others will experiment with a combinations of socket lengths and extensions and totally work through the space given by removing the left engine cover. If the Wing originally had ABS, there is added brake tubing running along the upper frame rail that makes experimenting with various sockets and extensions nearly impossible (2 brake tubes vs 1). The last ways is to remove the battery and battery box to get to the alt. inner mount bolt.

The only way "no rear tire" makes it easier is the last method.

What is wrong with your alternator ???

[rhino65]

Nothing wrong. Sometimes voltage drops from just under 14 to 12.7 with fog lights on. Reading that some go out around 60k to 70k while others go 100k plus. Mine is 02 with 60k. Thought about changing out over winter to try avoid break down on road next year

[GoldWingrGreg]

Nothing wrong. Sometimes voltage drops from just under 14 to 12.7 with fog lights on. Reading that some go out around 60k to 70k while others go 100k plus. Mine is 02 with 60k. Thought about changing out over winter to try avoid break down on road next year

Unless you are already doing this, you might consider this instead. In the Owner's Manual (sorry, read it once and have since looked for it but am not able to find it), Honda recommends replacing the battery every 2-3 years as PM. Not only is your Wing more likely to crank over more often, but a healthy battery also means that an alternator does not work so hard. With a healthy battery, the voltage is usually well above 14volts at more times. Also, be sure to get a battery with the proper amp output. On GL1800 from 2001-09 they requires 18.0. Many of the aftermarket brands are 17.5. Yuasa is the only one I've seen that meets that requirement.

Although our Maintenance Chart does not show this, every 8,000 miles a battery and charging system on an GL1800 should be checked.

[rhino65]

My battery was new 8 months ago. It's not Yuasa it's a parts unlimited. Never seen it at 14+ Usually runs at 13 or slightly over. Thanks for info about battery

[GoldWingrGreg]

My battery was new 8 months ago. It's not Yuasa it's a parts unlimited. Never seen it at 14+ Usually runs at 13 or slightly over. Thanks for info about battery

To test the alternator output, turn all accessories off and put a digital volt meter across the battery cables. Make a mental note of the initial battery voltage. Then, start the engine, wait 5 secs for the alternator to be turned on by the ECM, turn the high beams on, and bring the rpms up to 2,000 rpms, and take a volt reading. The voltage reading should be greater then initial battery voltage and less then 15.5v. This is how Honda wants the charging system tested. You'll probably find that the alternator's output is greater the 14v. Of coarse the battery should be tested first, but with a healthy battery, I usually find the voltage between 14.3-14.7v.

I always clean the cables and posts first with a small wire brush.

[michael2480]

Anyone change the alternator on gl1800 that has a trike conversion on it? I've heard some say it's easier since there's no rear wheel in the way on trikes

Yes, it's not that hard to do with the right combination of extensions and a swivel. I didn't move the battery or the gas tank, just went in from underneath.

[rhino65]

Have plenty of extensions and swivels. Going to run check as Goldwingrgreg recommended.

[ectrike]

My 02 alt.went bad at 73000 miles.replaced it with a aftermarket one.it lasted 130 miles.replaced it with another one. It lasted 300 miles. Replaced it with Ken Hening rebuilt one. Been 2 year and 10000 miles.still showing 14.7 .

[GoldWingrGreg]

My 02 alt.went bad at 73000 miles.replaced it with a aftermarket one.it lasted 130 miles.replaced it with another one. It lasted 300 miles. Replaced it with Ken Hening rebuilt one. Been 2 year and 10000 miles.still showing 14.7 .

Many have discovered the same thing. Replacing with a new Honda one, or overhauling an OEM Honda one is always better then the new non-Honda ones. Another good option is a used Honda one.

[SMSgt]

Many have discovered the same thing. Replacing with a new Honda one, or overhauling an OEM Honda one is always better then the new non-Honda ones. Another good option is a used Honda one.

My neighbor had the exact same experience with his 01, he installed two after market rebuilds and finally put in a Honda alternator and I haven't had to go pick him up since.