6 volt to 12 volt

[greybuffalo]

Hi there,
if I wanted to change my bike from a 6 volt to a 12 volt, would I just have to put on the 12volt alternator? anything else?

[L.A.B.]

As I don't have a wiring diagram for either model it is difficult to say, but may not be a simple operation? The voltage regulator would have to be changed for the 12V one and all light bulbs, flasher unit and horn would need to be changed to 12V.
Also the complete ignition system may have to be changed?
The CB200 has battery/coil ignition, and I'm not exactly sure what the CD185 has?
Is it battery & coil (with points) or electronic ignition (in which case it may run directly off the generator)?

[greybuffalo]

I think the CD185 has points,as that is 6 volt.
So I would have to put the 12volt STARTER RELAY, RECTIFIER,IGNITION COIL ASSY ,  WIRING LOOM on as well as IGNITION BARREL anything else you can think of? do I need to put all the above things on?
Have you heard of Boyer Bransden Single Phase Power Box  see here:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Boyer-Bransden-Single-Phase-Power-Box-Triumph-BSA-etc_W0QQitemZ8063747520QQihZ019QQcategoryZ10486QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
See here what my CB200 looks like,its a copy of an "Indian"
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9562/7cd31og0.jpg
I can get another CB200 engine here :
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190144109045&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=009
In your opinion,should I rather forget about the CD185 donor bike and just buy this engine? as my current CB200 engine has  seized cam....please help.
Your opinion is highly valued.
As this Cd185 is hardly known here in the U.K...let me know your thoughts please.
Cheers

[L.A.B.]

do I need to put all the above things on?

You won't need the starter relay if there's no electric starter on the CD.

Have you heard of Boyer Bransden Single Phase Power Box

Yes, they've been around for quite a few years now.
If the alternator is a two wire type (AC) then there's no reason why it wouldn't work, but as I have no wiring diagrams most of this is guesswork.  

I can get another CB200 engine here :In your opinion,should I rather forget about the CD185 donor bike and just buy this engine? as my current CB200 engine has  seized cam....

That may prove to be the better (easiest) option as long as the engine is good?
Worn/seized camshaft bearings were a common problem with these early CB Honda twins, so a replacement engine may not be in much better condition? Otherwise fit the CD185 engine and electrical system as it is, after all, do you really need it to be 12 volt?

I've no idea what parts (if any) can be swapped over between the CB and CD models without actually trying to fit them, as I have never owned or had anything to do with the CD 185 model, and its many years since I touched a CB200, sorry I can't be more help.

[greybuffalo]

Nice advice !and not let the 6 volt bother me,so  as far as you can remember,the later 185's (1978 as opposed to 1973)where better engines?

[L.A.B.]

so  as far as you can remember,the later 185's (1978 as opposed to 1973)where better engines?

I would hope that the newer CD185 design had benefited from five years of Honda research and development since the CB200, but I really have no idea if the CD185 was better design or not, as I've never owned, ridden or worked on one.

[greybuffalo]

This CD185 has points,so would it need a "Live" battery to just get the spark plug sparking...? or to start her?

[L.A.B.]

This CD185 has points,so would it need a "Live" battery to just get the spark plug sparking...? or to start her?

Yes I would think so.