new guy here with some questions

[sky.fred]

An MPO8 coil, originally fitted on a Honda(600/900 cbr etc....), can easily be found second-hand for very little money and there's no doubt about the quality.

[Muddy]

Good tip!

[alienroads]

Found a coil on ebay, should be here Tue or Wed. Got a carb rebuilt kit coming also. The turn signals all work, they're just not the original ones. I believe they are Honda units, just not what would have been on it from the factory. Probably added to meet a state requirement as the bike was at one time registered in Tennessee. Hopefully with the carb redone and the new coil, I can get it running (temporarily since the fuel tank needs to be cleaned and sealed) maybe by next weekend.

[Muddy]

You are probably all over it, but just be wary of some internet carb kits. Some have the wrong jets, needles and floats. Also be aware that the bikes came with 2 different carbs - one rare - one common. It is not easy, but do a search on this site - I recall several posts on the issues.

[alienroads]

Thanks for the heads up Muddy. I got the rebuild kit from Classic Honda Restoration. Seemed to be a pretty legit operation. It's supposed to be here Monday or Tuesday so we'll see this week! By the way, very neat wiring job in that picture you posted. Is that a rectifier/regulator or just a rectifier?Also I'm guessing that since I don't have a regulator on my bike that the magneto is probably 13 or 14 volts AC? Thanks!

[Muddy]

I don't think you will have any problems at all with spares from Classic Honda Restoration.

I replaced the original red/orange-coloured, finned, selenium rectifier with a modern regulator-rectifier unit from Charlie's Place. These are still available.

It is possible, but I think unlikely that a magneto has been fitted to your bike. In which case, you will probably need some form of rectifier to convert the AC voltage from the generator to DC voltage for the system. Others with more electrical knowledge than me may be able to advise otherwise.

If you can, just check the voltage from the generator and confirm how many volts and if it is AC or DC.

Good luck.

[sky.fred]

The charging circuit on '60s Honda models is a bit unusual.
There's only a rectifier and no regulator, because there are two circuits, one producing just enough energy to recharge the battery and the other to operate the headlights, which only comes on when the lights are on, as the bulbs absorb the excess current.
The solution is to replace the original rectifier with a modern rectifier/regulator and shunt the two circuits into one.
That way, both charging circuits are always working, with maximum flow at all times, regulated just like on a modern motorcycle.
By modifying the electrical circuit as shown below, I can now drive with the headlights on and use the starter without restriction.

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=7643370&start=49

I hope it's clear enough, as I sometimes have trouble translating technical terms ....