Motorcycle and Bicycle Stuff
This website is just some miscellaneous information I thought others could use. Mostly it will cover info and projects for Kawasaki GPz550 and other motorcycles with some bicycle stuff thrown in.
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Photos of my bike: '81 Kaw Gpz 550 (KZ550D gp)
Photos of other cool bikes
Photos of miscellaneousness
Motorcycle Stuff:
Homemade GPZ ignition module using GM HEI ignition modules
Using points to trigger a GM HEI ignition module
Homemade voltage regulator for permanent-magnet alternators
Homemade voltage regulator for excited-field alternators (Not for GPZ)
Homemade 3 phase rectifier (with no auxiliary output)
AC regulator for 6 volt scooters or other magneto driven bikes (Not for GPZ)
Lose those ugly turn signals! Integrate them!
Using your neutral switch to turn on your headlights.
Design for oil pressure warning lights.
Single LED, adjustable, 6 volt to 12 volt monitor.
Single LED voltage spike detector for 12 volt systems.
Miscellaneous Bike Wiring Diagrams
Toby steering damper diagrams and maintenance.
Convert your Kz's passenger grab rail into a swingarm stand!
Modify that crazy '81 Gpz550 choke system.
Screen shots of the GPZ's alternator voltage waveforms.
Homemade Honda CB ignition module using GM HEI ignition modules and stock coils
Homemade Honda CB ignition module using GM HEI ignition modules and GM coils
How do AC voltmeters measure voltage? (PDF file)
KZ550 gearing, speed, RPM, calculator
The www.GPz550.com website forum.
Qbasic programs:
RMS calculator
This program calculates RMS and other various voltages for 3 types of AC waveforms (sinusoidal, square, and triangle). You input the peak values (and duty cycle for square waves) and it calculates the average voltage, RMS voltage, and other voltage ratings. This should be used in conjunction with the
'How do AC voltmeters measure voltage?' pdf file.
Carburetor needle comparator
This program compares the diameter profiles of a stock needle to a Dynojet needle. It is only for the TK carbs found on 1981 KZ550 D models. The comparisons are between the stock needle, a stock needle with multiple positions, and a Dynojet needle with multiple positions.
Dwell time chart
This program generates a chart which shows the dwell time as a function of dwell angle and RPM.
Ignition coil charge-time calculator
This program calculates and graphs the charge-time for an ignition coil. Based on the DC resistance and inductance of a coil, and given the operating voltage, the graph shows the current as a function of time. This requires knowing the inductance of the primary (measured in milliHenrys) by measuring it with a suitable multimeter. The program is used to determine ideal dwell angles to prevent unnecessary coil heating.
Capacitor driven ignition coil
This program plots the current and voltage of a series RLC circuit where there is no initial current, but there is an initial voltage on the capacitor. This would model an ignition coil being driven by a capacitor.
Bicycle Stuff