Introduction to repolarising a Lucas dynamo Repolarising a dynamo (sometimes also referred to as ‘flashing’ or ‘remagnetising’) is a way to ‘wake up’ generators that may not have been used for a long time, been incorrectly wired up in the past or are not producing any volts for some other reason. This guide describes how …
Introduction to testing a Lucas dynamo This guide to testing a Lucas dynamo is based upon my experiences with my 1951 Matchless G3LS, although the same principles should apply to other Matchless and AJS bikes (and indeed to other bikes and cars of the same era which also use the Lucas dynamo charging system). The …
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A selection of electrical ‘how to’ guides Welcome to my electrical ‘how to’ guide section of this website. I’ve put these guides together based upon various jobs that I’ve needed to do over the past few months on my Matchless G3Ls and what I’ve been able to pick up from various owners manuals, service guides …
I picked up my bike from the mechanic yesterday. It had been in for about 6 weeks now so it’s been a long time since I was last out on the road! The main jobs that needed to be done were that the front suspension forks needed to be rebuilt (the seals were leaking oil) …
Let’s face it, the lights on the majority of old bikes aren’t exactly the brightest are they? The light from the old Lucas headlamps are never going to compare to those on modern bikes, especially if your classic motorcycle is still running with 6 volt electrics. But there are some simple things that you can …
Introduction to the Lucas charging system The Lucas charging system found on many old bikes and cars differs from those fitted to modern vehicles in that it uses a DC dynamo (as opposed to an AC alternator) to generate an electrical current from the rotation of the engine. It is a reasonably straightforward system consisting …
Joseph Lucas, ‘Prince of Darkness’, alleged inventor of the world’s first self dimming headlights and intermittent windscreen wipers. Who’s light switches usually have three settings – dim, flicker and off. And who apparently still holds the patent for the ‘short-circuit’. The list of Lucas jokes is endless, but that really doesn’t help with keeping your …