Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all. I am new to this forum having recently bought a 1950 model G in bits, and fully restoring it now.
I would like to know if anyone has upgraded their electrics on a Model G from 6V to 12 V. I have the mag and dyno stripped for refurb but because the unit was siezed solid it needs a total rebuild and I need to put new armature and field coil in the dyno so is it worth upgrading to 12v. I can do this work myself, I just need an experience opinion. Also has anyone had experience of using electronic regulators to replace the old type.

I may have a load more questions for later so I think I may become a regular on here.

My knowledge of dynamos is supremely limited, but the theory says that a conversion from 6V to 12V is possible. The first detail is the rating of the original dynamo. This will be measured in Watts. Without this figure, I can't really make a start.

It is possible to tweak the voltage reg to produce thirteen volts but to be honest it's hard to see the point. The six volt system works well as long as you have a decent battery and the answer for this lies in getting a nice modern jap one and putting it in a wooden box designed to look like a bitumen battery box or get an empty real bitumen case and slot one inside. My six volt bike has excellent lights and a loud horn and what else do you need? Also it's original and the point of restoring things is to keep them as orig as possible. At least that 's my take on it. S:)

Hello Sidey, modern electronic voltage regulators are well worth fitting, especially if you're starting from scratch. Good quality 6 volt bulbs are getting harder to find which is a consideration too! Try looking at Paul Goff's site for a range of options including LED bulbs suitable for motorcycle use or check the highly regarded ManorTec DVR2 volt/reg unit. From what you say appearance is important so make sure you get a unit that fits the original Lucas case. I've got original and uprated systems on my bikes and the 12v electronic version is best. Keep coming back for more, we don't get a lot of Model Gs although there are several keen Owners who do come on here! REgards, Mark

Thanks for the replies and appreciate the help. Simon, I agree its nice to keep it original but reliability is something I need and I think Marks point about 6V parts is valid and worth consideration. I will look at the suggested and then try and make a decision.
I am sure it will be a lovely bike when finished and they are a bit unusual, (is that a good thing). Hopefully on the road by summer.

Hi, I have converted a '48 Model G to 12v no probs really as long as the dynamo is in good working order, what I did was got an electronic regulator and this bumped up the voltage from 6-12v, this is the most reliable way I have found, the other way is to get the dynamo to give out 12v which is possible but not reliable long term. I suggest you contact Sean Hawker's website (Hawker Electrical) he's based in Yate nr Bristol and has extensive experience in this field, I highly recommend him or as suggested Paul Goff knows his subject and could help, especially with good quality 6v bulbs when you need them. Hope this all helps and good luck.

PS Forgot to say that the electronic regulator that Sean sells can use the existing brass cover with spring clip, so that externally, no-one would know that the reg isn't bog standard!