Triumphrat

cade1400 · 07-08-2008, 04:01 PM

can anyone tell me how to convert my tiger to negative earth?thanks

1759AG · 07-08-2008, 05:16 PM

Cade,
Have you done a search? I know there have been at least two lengthy posts on the subject. Hope it works well for you.

ajslug · 07-08-2008, 07:09 PM

I don't think it would be an easy task since the Zener diode and rectifier are positive grounded...you would have to find negative ground counterparts. Why bother? That's analogous to converting the bike to left-hand shifting. Aren't these quirky things what makes these bikes unique? May as well just sell it, buy a used "new" Bonnie and call it a day. Just my thoughts

GrandPaulZ · 07-08-2008, 07:14 PM

By all means, do the search for the previous threads on the topic. It's not hard to do, negative earth diodes were specified from '78 on.

ajslug · 07-08-2008, 07:22 PM

Oh! I wasn't aware ...still a newbie to these

666Bonneville · 07-08-2008, 08:00 PM

why are you trying to reverse it? you want to run LEDs?

1759AG · 07-09-2008, 12:17 AM

Here is an old post by OzBloke. Helps with NUMEROUS electical questions. The "search" area is an awesome tool here.

In the 70’s there was a lot of contention about electrical theory – electron flow vs hole theory. Transistors were all the rage, and IC’s were just coming into being. Designers were experimenting with different ways of doing things, with cheaper and more efficient designs being the focus. Positive earth systems may have provided some cheaper ways to design components. 6 of one, half a dozen of the other in my mind.

If you’re intending to change from positive to negative earth (ie changing the bike frame from battery positive to battery negative, there are a number of things you need to consider:

1) Battery connections and mounting – wires reaching the terminals, and making sure the terminals don’t short to frame or mountings.
2) Rectifier needs to be changed or rewired
3) Zener diode needs to be changed
4) Condensers need to be changed
5) Electronic ignition (eg Boyer) needs to be rewired or changed
6) Battery eliminator (if fitted) will need to be rewired or changed
7) Electronic (eg powered) gauges, meters need to be changed.
8) Electronic indicator box (if fitted) may need to be rewired. The bi-metal clicker ones are OK to use with either polarity.

Hope this helps.