Electrical Mod for '81 450 L Help...

[boston]

I'm wondering if there are any good solutions to replacing the electrical components normally housed under the left side panel, (ignitor, regulator/rectifier, solenoid and flasher relay unit) for a smaller more condensed unit. This may warrant the coils as well to be replaced, which is fine... I'm looking to have an open space behind the carbs, where the air-box "used to be" as I've replaced it with smaller filters.
If this isn't possible I imagine I may just have to figure out a better arrangement. But I'm guessing there may be a better solution 30 years after the fact? Thoughts? Solutions?

[tom203]

What you got in mind for this "open space.... where the airbox used to be" ? You're unlikely to find an all-in-one compact replacement for the things that the bike needs to run. If you were real good with electronics, you could make your own. The science behind this thirty year old stuff hasn't changed much over the years.

[pete]

I've relocated mine under the seat with a flat piece of aluminium strapped to the frame.

I've got a Dynatek DS3-3C ignition to replace the stock setup and this doesn't have the extra ignitor box and the kit also replaces the stock coils. The DS3-3C is listed for the older GS400 twins only but it works well with the 450's with two additional requirements; you need to run an extra wire for the oil pressure sensor and you need to the spacer the Dynatek guys include with the 4 cylinder kits as the rotor in the 450 ignition is shorter than the rotor for the 400's points.

By removing the ignitor from the equation, it was easy to have the starter solenoid, indicator relay, main fuse, and R/R all mounted under the seat.

I also have K&N pods instead of the air box, but still need to re-jet properly yet.

[boston]

Yeah... After really shopping around... It seems like I just need to determine a good space for relocation. Shouldn't be too difficult... Under the seat seems like a good enough idea. Thanks all! Also additionally are there any good solutions for smaller batteries? Lithium?

[mvalenti]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HecT7T00AlA

start here...

[gs rider]

After multiple tests electrical tests -want to order the dyna DS3-3c kit for my sons 81 450- ignitor box bad and coils 30 yrs old and tested poorly. Seeking clarification on previous note below regarding the "extra wire for oil switch_ what does this mean and best way to do/run it? and "ask for the spacer that comes with 4 cyl. kits as rotor is longer or shorter? I assume spacer is needed as rotor is longer? where does the spacer go as I sure it wont be in dyna directions for this kit. greg

[pete]

The spacer sits on top of the Dynatek rotor under the captive nut. Assemble it loosely without the spacer and you'll see pretty quickly where it belongs

The oil pressure switch is under the signal generator plate, and you'll see it has a green/yellow wire that runs with the signal generator wiring up to a 4 pin plug on the harness. This is the wire you need a substitute for.

[gs rider]

thank you for the tip re spacer and oil switch. Just waiting for parts to come in and in mean time working on all connections and testing switches pe rmanual and tipas from all of you. Once i get my sons 450 running, i have two 550s in the shed ready to work on. Why do i do this to myself. My 81 kz1000 only needed a glass fuse replacemnt and runs like a champ. Of course i upgraded everything else, hoses, bearings, etc... greg

[pete]

No prob's Greg, seems we're suckers for punishment!

I've currently got my electrics partially disconnected to do the coil and headlight relay mod's...