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Alternator OEM..or not

3K views 47 replies 23 participants last post by  Fred H. 
#1 ·
I have read a few threads on alternators. Now, I have an '08 and the alternator in it is doing as it should so for now, no replacement necessary. Though, the wife and I do take trips every so often so I thought it would be a good idea to 'have one as a spare' in our camper.

OEM..always the way to go most likely but man they are expensive.

The brand I have read about a bit is the one from DB Electrical. I can get an alternator through them for a bit over 100 bucks. I know, you get what you pay for ...possibly.

So that leads me to the question...anyone have one and your thoughts on it?
 
#2 ·
I just replaced a DB alternator on my 08 with a whopping 1600mi. on it. Even with all the negativity I’ve heard about aftermarket I thought I’d give it a try. Lesson learned. Set my OEM off to MARS for a reman. We’ll see how I fair this time. B.
 
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#3 ·
I watched a vid comparing an OEM to one sold from DB...and though it wasnt for a bike..the vid was interesting to watch. They guy doing the video I dont think knew all the ins and outs to alternators (nor do I)...but at a visual level....the DB one and the OEM one darn near close to identical. Does that mean its the same? Not at all. Even if the DB one doesnt last...you could have 4 of them or so compared to buying one OEM one. Of course, if the DB one does some damage in some way (again, I dont know jack about alternators)...
 
#5 ·
If you read a few threads on alternators you already know the answer to your question.
 
#6 ·
you can get all the parts to rebuild the OEM on for about $200 (bearings, rotor, seals, brushes). I would carry those as spares. Not a difficult job to rebuild, or you could take the parts and the alternator to a shop and have them do it.
 
#31 ·
But a shop would be needed to do the repairs because bearing removers are needed for the bearings, and a soldering gun for the brushes. Then there are seal drivers. Having been a rebuilder for a few years, we’d build 100 of 1 unit at a time (day) on domestic alt’s, we would build 5 imports at a time because of the complexity mentioned above. I was 1 of 2 rebuilders that would build generators, both domestic and foreign. Those would be built ‘as needed’.

I agree with others that replacing it for the trip is best. Worry free, all the way.
 
#13 · (Edited)
I just had to replace mine. The bike is an '06 with 106,000 miles. I had to have the bike towed, but it died only 8 miles from my home. I replaced it with an OEM. It took two days to receive one from my local Honda dealer. If you plan to carry a spare, you should also carry all the special tools you will need to replace it. The best way to find out the tools you will need is to perform a practice run replacing the alternator at home. But if you decide to go that route you my as well just replace it with a new OEM one and ride without worry of an alternator failure for another 100,000 miles. An OEM alternator is expensive, but if your aftermarket alternator fails on a long trip away from home the trouble may end up costing you much more than the OEM.
 
#14 ·
My 2008 is about to roll 80,000. When it hits 100,000 I plan to install a new OEM. Will lay the old one aside as a spare. Considering the PITA it is to swap, I would not even consider anything but new OEM.
 
#16 · (Edited)
The brand I have read about a bit is the one from DB Electrical. I can get an alternator through them for a bit over 100 bucks. I know, you get what you pay for ...possibly.

So that leads me to the question...anyone have one and your thoughts on it?
Here is my publicly posted warning.

As always, I could care less what you choose, and I only share from my personal experience ... actually, I pay to share. If you buy one of those $100 ones, my shop is always here to correct bad choices and help any way that I can.

 
#18 ·
well I am gonna tempt fate here.....I bought a DB about 7 months ago. $108, shipped free, had it in two days, one year warranty. So far have @ 10k on it. I also installed a digital voltmeter at the same time. I think I watch the voltmeter more than the speedometer! Maybe I am the lucky one or maybe it sheets the bed tomorrow. Either way, I got almost a full riding season so far and have an extra $500 + in my pocket.
 
#38 ·
You're not alone. I did the same. I watch that voltmeter like a hawk! So far, steady 14.2 volts output from the DB unit. It's only been in the bike a few weeks. I'm not taking any trips probably the remainder of this season, but am commuting to work to prove out the bike overall as it is new to me. Loving the bike so far! Oh, for data comparison's sake, it's a 2006 with comfort package and premium audio, non-ABS, non-NAVI. with LED headights and fog lamps. The OEM alternator I removed had 90k miles on it and working fine but had significant surface corrosion on the case that made me concerned about what's going on inside. The bike came from the humid southeast. I wanted to experience the replacement task and get tools and knowledge under my belt if I have to deal with it on the road. I'm carrying the OEM as the spare. Overhauling it is planned for the off-season. The Harbor Freight T- handled, hinged ratchet tool and a 12mm twelve point socket works great on that back bolt!
 
#22 ·
I sent mine off to Ken Heming at MARS(motorcycle alternator repair service). $325.w/1yr warranty for an exchange alternator. He is well regarded for his rebuilds. Search the site for his contact information. For me...was a 6day turnaround. Can't attest to the longevity of rebuilding but it's putting out 14.2v more than the DB at this point!! B.
 
#25 ·
I actually just talked to him a bit ago. Its funny.....I told him not to take offense to me asking (cause I know zilch about alternators beyond what they are used for)...but I asked why his over OEM. His matter of fact answer, "mine are better". He did stress 'all American made', which I like. $312 to have one shipped to my house.

I will probably go this route. I started doing searches and his name came up quite a bit...and all very positive. Heck, if the internet likes him.....may as well give him a go. I cant pay the full on OEM price so lets see what he can do for me
 
#26 ·
Funny thing...I figure how much worse can a aftermarket/reman be...when I’ve never gotten more than 70k miles from an 3 OEM’s for 2 different 1800’s. Guess I’m just lucky like that!! B.
 
#27 ·
Do you run a lot of accessories or anything that might put more strain on an alternator? I'm still on my original alternator on a 2006 with 109,000 miles on it. I had the original battery in for 8 years without any battery tender/maintainer. I was always told that would put more stress on my alternator. I have a few lights but not a bunch and I removed some things as they went bad. Stereo is on always and CB is on most of the time.
 
#33 ·
I do use a tender at times in the winter, but the bike is normally ridden a couple hundred miles a month. As stated in older threads..the bike is parked on a dirt floor in a pole barn w/full cover, but I have had issues with dirt accumulation inside the body parts from this and gravel road riding. I was amazed to see where and how much dust/dirt and coal slurry had accumulated inside the body of my 02 after much of the bike was exposed from being totaled in an accident. I also question whether having a mud flap installed on the rear contributes to the issue by potentially recirculating debris in the fender well(?)
 
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#39 ·
imho, One of the best items you can add to your wing is a DIGITAL voltmeter!!!! $10.00 investment. It tells you the condition of your battery & alternator at all times. When you push the start button it will show you how far the voltage drops so you know if it falls to far it has a problem. It shows that that your alternator is working properly.

Because of the Honda engineered 12v system on a wing You DEFINETLY must keep your eye on the condition of your battery!!! Ride CHARGED & SAFE.
 
#42 ·
One more vote for the OEM. Bought an Ebay alternator from EMS Global Direct. Installed it March 2019 with 121k on the clock. Didn't do as much riding last year just one trip to North Carolina. Started this years NC trip with 128k miles. Got to Raleigh and lost what I thought was the battery. It was 5 years old. 20 miles down the road it died again. Limped it to the Auto Zone and had the battery tested after a charge. They said it was a bad battery. Bought another battery hoping to return the first. Meanwhile I borrowed a volt meter and low and behold no charge. Guess I'm changing an alternator. Luckily Capitol Honda had one and a good Samaritan took me to pick it up. An hour and a half out of his time, bless him. Changed out the junk alternator in the parking lot of the AutoZone. Junk alternator $130, 2 new batteries $200, Hotel room $100 because we couldn't reach our campsite. Reservation lost for the campsite $35. Lost a day of vacation. Now I am stuck with a battery because AutoZone doesn't know how to test a battery. I should have confirmed what he said. Could have saved some money but when you are stranded 1000 miles from home rushed judgements happen. Frustrating part is the original alternator wasn't even bad. I just changed it because of the mileage. Wish I knew about MARS back then. I would have had him rebuild the original. I still may, just to have a spare.
Spend the extra and get something that lasts.
 
#43 ·
One more vote for the OEM. Bought an Ebay alternator from EMS Global Direct. Installed it March 2019 with 121k on the clock. Didn't do as much riding last year just one trip to North Carolina. Started this years NC trip with 128k miles. Got to Raleigh and lost what I thought was the battery. It was 5 years old. 20 miles down the road it died again. Limped it to the Auto Zone and had the battery tested after a charge. They said it was a bad battery. Bought another battery hoping to return the first. Meanwhile I borrowed a volt meter and low and behold no charge. Guess I'm changing an alternator. Luckily Capitol Honda had one and a good Samaritan took me to pick it up. An hour and a half out of his time, bless him. Changed out the junk alternator in the parking lot of the AutoZone. Junk alternator $130, 2 new batteries $200, Hotel room $100 because we couldn't reach our campsite. Reservation lost for the campsite $35. Lost a day of vacation. Now I am stuck with a battery because AutoZone doesn't know how to test a battery. I should have confirmed what he said. Could have saved some money but when you are stranded 1000 miles from home rushed judgements happen. Frustrating part is the original alternator wasn't even bad. I just changed it because of the mileage. Wish I knew about MARS back then. I would have had him rebuild the original. I still may, just to have a spare.
Spend the extra and get something that lasts.
If the good Samaritan hadn't been there to help you the cost would probably have been even greater.
 
#44 ·
I have read a few threads on alternators. Now, I have an '08 and the alternator in it is doing as it should so for now, no replacement necessary. Though, the wife and I do take trips every so often so I thought it would be a good idea to 'have one as a spare' in our camper.

OEM..always the way to go most likely but man they are expensive.

The brand I have read about a bit is the one from DB Electrical. I can get an alternator through them for a bit over 100 bucks. I know, you get what you pay for ...possibly.

So that leads me to the question...anyone have one and your thoughts on it?
BorninUSA...

You're right when you said "You get what you pay for."
OEM is the way to go. You can see several good videos on the tools, techniques, and time to 'get 'er done' on YouTube.
I have an OEM in reserve as well as I thought I heard the bearings rattling in the original (105K miles). Smoothed out and was quiet on the recent trip Houston->Blue Ridge->Houston showing 14v+ while moving.

FWIW...
 
#45 ·
I'll repair my original when it goes bad with oem parts. I did my 1997 Ford F350 alternator this way, and so happy it works good as new, and not a Chinese replacement in there. Same alternator used on a 1997 F350 diesel as used on a Ford Escort. Sure it was. Aftermarket chinese crap out there.
 
#46 ·
I ended up buying one from Ken Heming. Talking to him on the phone...he stressed "made with ALL American parts". He def wanted me to know that. Not OEM...but he seems to have too good of a rep not to take a chance on one of his products
 
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