Compufire Alternator Junk

[GBKid]

On June 13, 2021 I replaced the original equipment alternator on my 2000 GL1500SE after it failed with just over 80,000 miles on it during a road trip (Lake Michigan Circle Tour) in lower Michigan. Fortunately, we were on the last hour of the trip approximately 60 miles from our final stop of Ludington, MI where we were going to take the Badger Ferry across Lake Michigan back to Manitowoc, WI, the next day, which is about 30 miles from my home. A friend ultimately was waiting for me In Manitowoc with a trailer to get me home after I rolled my bike off the ferry upon our arrival.
Anyhow, I purchased a Compufire alternator from Cyclemax and installed it on my bike. The installation required a couple of modifications, including cutting off the OE terminal of the main alternator to battery wire and replacing it with a larger one to accommodate the Compufire terminal. I also had to cut off the green wire from the capacitor and tuck it into the harness sleeve because Compufire indicated the capacitor and noise suppressor were not required on their alternators. These were modifications I didn’t like to make, but I did it anyway because the Compufire alternator was advertised as the be all to end all of alternators. The Compufire was also much larger than the original equipment and difficult to fit in and install. It was rated at 90 Amps, which was also appealing to me because in the late fall months I occasionally use a Gerbers heated jacket and pants on long cold trips.
Fast forward to Memorial Day of this year and 8,499 miles later and the great Compufire took a dump. Warranty expired and $477.00 wasted. At the recommendation of a Master Motorcycle mechanic friend of mine, I purchased a Rick’s Motorsport Electric alternator from Cyclemax. This one was $375.00. Exact OE fit and up to 80 amps at 2,500 rpm’s and above. I had to replace the terminal again back to OE specs and fitting it in was easy. The guy at Cyclemax i talked to said they discontinued carrying Compufire because of too many customer complaints of failures. I looked at the Rick’s website and they’ve been in business for a long time and appear to make quality equipment. Time will tell.

https://ricksmotorsportelectrics.com/

[gford]

I went through 4 or 5 aftermarket alternators that lasted anywhere from 10-25 thousand miles, I eventually spent the money for an OEM honda alternator, so far so good.

[offcenter]

I went through 4 or 5 aftermarket alternators that lasted anywhere from 10-25 thousand miles, I eventually spent the money for an OEM honda alternator, so far so good.

Same here. So far, the Honda alternator is just fine.

[MikeB]

It's a shame that the Compufire has lost its reliability. I've had one sine 2001. Had a bearing start making noise in 2015 and an oil seal leak and that is all. Over 200,000 miles on that alternator now. I bought two reasonably priced spares from Ebay and never needed them.