Retrofitting a Townmate to run on a 12V system.

Hi All,

As a topic of conversation and advice, would it be at all possible to convert the 6V electrical system on the Townmates to run on a 12V electrical system?

I can understand there would be some extensive work needed but could it be done?

Auto electrics are beyond me, but I'd be interested in your ideas, thoughts, opinions etc.

Cheers, Frank.

Electrex World http://www.electrexworld.co.uk/ do 12v lighting coils & generators for a number of bikes but nothing listed for T80, & they are expensive. The thing is how often do you ride it after dark. The 6v direct lighting could probably be improved a bit by fitting a quartz bulb & the indicators (only 10 watts) could be improved by fitting more modern LED ones which also would not have such a drain on the battery. I use my bike daily & sometimes after dark, on urban roads with good street lighting its not a problem. On country roads they are just about adequate for the speed of the bike. I think you could spend alot of money on a conversion but not really get to use it.
Another solution may be to fit a good LED bicycle headlamp additional to the main head light as a daylight running light, & auxillery light after dark (a spotlight) Some of these bike headlamps are really powerful.

Thanks for the reply John,

Good to see what options there are and what you guys think so far.

Cheers, Frank

In the 80's and early 90's most small bikes, scooters and mopeds run on a 6v system. I also find the headlight a joke and on unlit roads I find myself following the line in the middle of the road as a guide to where I am on the road, not good. just fitted bright led lights to the mirror base and they do light up the road more than the head light. I am considering fitting more, but I will have to work out where to fit them. I use my t80 almost every day and ride with my headlight on at all times. The headlight bulb blew 500 miles ago and has just blown again. At only £1.50 each I have bought 3 and will keep one and a small screwdriver.