Just installed the Compu-fire 90 amp Alternator on my 97 CSC Trike and what a difference. Prior to installation while at idle with all lights and brake on (fans off) the amp meter showed -18 amps. After installation with same lights lit and brake on at idle amp meter showed +5/6 amps. That means my battery will not be run down after those short trips or in stop/go traffic. Another friend installed one about 3 weeks ago and reports an "increase" in gas mileage. On the way home, after installation, the volt meter showed a constant 13.8vdc and charging system showed 0/1 amp +. I already have a new sealed WestCo battery so I didn't buy the recommended battery from Compu-fire. I believe that buy maintaining the battery at full charge I will extend the lifetime on the battery. I also pull a Bushtec trailer with my trike (extra lights = more amps). The alternator is a real close fit but it will go in.
ALSO...Prior to the new installation I used to hear the turn signals in the head set and now the clicking noise is gone. Wish everyone best of Holidays and Safe riding. Don

By Bud Redmond on Friday, November 23, 2001 - 05:17 pm:

Don,
Our experiences are the same, including clearing up the intercom.
“ver the Hill Riders”
Bud and Jan

Visit Bud’s Trike Page here

By Don Ferguson on Friday, November 23, 2001 - 07:02 pm:

Don - I have a stock alternator and, a 1989 Wing with a MotorTrike conversion. Voltmeter is always running about 14 -14.1 when I am riding and somewhere near 13.8 or 13.9 when idling and 13.5 or so when I hit both lights.

I just keep wondering is the older models had more powerful alternators?

Don in Ohio
Life member

By Donald D. Coons on Saturday, November 24, 2001 - 08:20 am:

Don in Ohio

Don't know if the older models had more power or not but I do know that the volt meter on my 1985 LTD drops down to 10/11 vdc at stop lights and really makes me worry at times. If I could change the stator as easy as the alternator on the 97 I would do it. I think I would check the battery voltage with a good VTVM meter while under a load and make sure that your on-board volt meter is working correct. If it is then GOOD DEAL. Ride Often/Ride Safe, Don

By Don Ferguson on Saturday, November 24, 2001 - 02:53 pm:

Don Coons

Thanks for the information. Actually, I have 2 89 Wings - both have Firecreak meters on them. The trike runs 14/14.1 buy, the 2 wheeler is usually at 14.2.

When I hit my accessory switches, especially the driving lights, I see the meter going down. But, I have had the trike, with driving lights on, rear bumper light on and trailer connected - running on the highway and still at 13.9.

This is why I was asking if the older units had more.

Don in Ohio
Life member

By Bud Redmond on Sunday, November 25, 2001 - 09:14 am:

Don in Ohio,
I doubt if you would find that the older alternators were more "powerful". The voltage regulators might be slightly different, and there is no doubt that they were made better than they have been for the last three or four years. There have been too many failures of OEM alternators in the recent past, and that is the main reason so many of us have looked to a better alternative.
“ver the Hill Riders”
Bud and Jan

Visit Bud’s Trike Page here

By Jimmy Broadway on Monday, November 26, 2001 - 11:27 am:

I am having problems with my 2000 SE and if it was not under warranty, I would definitely buy the compufire. I am going to buy one anyway for the 95 Trike. I have never heard anything bad about it - unlike the Simpro!