Splitdorf Generator Replica
"The Splitdorf generator has long been a source of mystery, frustration and darkness to those who ride and restore motorcycles of the early days. Splitdorfs were standard equipment on such notable steeds as Ace, Indian, Cleveland, Excelsior, Henderson, Reading-Standard and Militor. Today they are rarely found complete and undamaged, much less in operating condition". courtesy of Steve Blancards website.
Tried and tested unit made in the European union to exacting standards. This replica of this common generator is now available from stock in Australia. We have ex stock a DU5 long shaft and short shaft with short shaft in both clockwise and counter clockwise specifications. Lead timeon DU7 are about 4-5 weeks.
Identification (Again Courtesy of Steve Blancard)
U-5 The DU-5 appeared around 1922 (author's note: recently uncovered documentation tells me that the DU-5 actually became available in late 1920) and was made more robust and with larger bearings and drive shaft than the DU-1. Maximum charging rate is 3-3/4 to 4-1/4 amps, 7.5 volts at 1800-2500 generator rpm. It was designed to operate with a 6 volt, 15 amp battery. Armatures were identical for both rotations, except for the DU-5H which used a longer drive shaft. Some armatures are marked with the month and year of manufacture, e.g. "2-27". DU-5s were used throughout most of the 1920s and seem to be the most common model encountered today. All DU-1s and many DU-5s used the same mechanical cutout. Around 1925 Splitdorf developed the "A-10 Electrical Cutout" as a replacement for the mechanical one. A DU-1 or DU-5 can be quickly distinguished from the DU-7 by the relatively smaller size of the bulge of the cutout cover. Diameter of this bulge is about 2-1/2". DU-5 variants include:
DU-5 CW rotation (Excelsior, Henderson Deluxe, Ace, Indian Ace)
DU-5 CCW rotation (Indian Scout/Prince, early Henderson KJ)
DU-5E CCW rotation (Excelsior)
DU-5H CW rotation (Indian Chief)
DU-5C CW rotation (Cleveland)
DU-7 The DU-7 was developed in late 1927 and appeared in early 1928. It was a significant improvement over the DU-5 for several reasons. The cast iron commutator head of the previous models was prone to breakage under rough service. Consequently, an aluminum head was developed which was lighter and more durable. With the end cover removed this assembly is easily identified. A 3 amp fuse was incorporated into the field coil circuit to protect the coils from excessive current. Maximum output was increased to 5 1/2 amps at 3500 rpm. A larger, improved electrical cutout was developed to handle the higher current. The cutout cover bulge was correspondingly enlarged to 2-15/16". DU-7 variants include:
DU-7 CCW rotation (Indian 101 Scout, Prince, Henderson KJ, KL)
DU-7 CW rotation (Indian Ace/401/402)
DU-7 CW rotation (Cleveland)
DU-7H CW rotation (Indian Chief)