Well, for the most part, the websites I visit are filled with the stateside views on most things, and the folks pretty much rate things by their own concept of their world in how IMZ should do things or what changes they believe need to be made by the company. One issue has been the rise in prices of various parts, notably the new Denso altenators. Another issue was the change of colors of various rigs.

Any rate, I was just wondering about prices in other countries, and say, comparing the Denso prices stateside (about $420 each) to prices of the very same part overseas. Did the same part hike up in prices in Asia, Europe and all the other countries across the pond at the same time it did stateside? (Not sure if the same part is currently in use in all other areas that IMZ serves).

I don't mean this for anyone to think they can purchase a new alternator in Europe and get it at a bargain. Shipping and exchange rates would kill off any bargain, I am pretty sure, but I have not had any luck in opening foreign vendor sites and seeing just what they charge for various parts. It got me to wondering just what a new altenator goes for in Africa, Japan or London? I know you would have to factor in the costs of getting the parts made and put into production in the various countries (variables), but just wondering how prices compare around the world. Anyone here know how prices compare in that manner?

the romanian dealer asked for more than 260 euros for a new Denso. But the same unit can be found on various japanese automobiles. I paid for two second hand Denso about 35 e

When you buy one from IMWA, you're getting the coupler AND alternator....so just getting alternator prices isn't a good comparison, that said, I don't think you can get just the coupler by itself from IMWA.

Speakin of couplers..... how's your modified one working out Dave_O ??


kermitski

Yeah, I'm anxious for an update about it too.

valicaddy, just so I'm in the know, what Japanese autos are the alternators found on?

mine came from a Suzuki Swift, don't know for sure the year. But there is a forum about Swift too... and these items was on other vehicles too but I didn't care about it at that time and I forgot them

I'm glad you mention that, as the stateside websites generally don't address it when showing the altenators in the accessories section.
Huey

Really well...almost to the point of running a deep-cycle battery and no alternator at all quiet. That's from memory though too, I don't get to hear any other ones to compare it to...but the weird noises it used to make at high rpms are definitely Gone.



http://www.russianiron.com/forums/index.ph...ic=5685&hl=

Thanks Dave_0 ....

Darn it, now I'll have to ponder replacing the bearings on mine. Crap.

I STILL haven't changed out my gear, let alone re-worked the coupler any. I'm going for the full ton on this alternator gear. About the end of this month the gear should have 100 thou on it. This is a new record for me. The shiny new replacement gear is still in it's place of honor on the workbench. I am truly fearless..... or is it just plain stupid and lazy??

:-))
kermitski

Am just the messenger, so don't shoot me if I'm wrong, but future wife works at Auto Parts Express and says the alternator is also fitted on some Justy and Charade models.

John Panyon
2002 Tourist 750

DaveO, can you tell us where you ordered the bearings and seals from? When I look up the 7004 bearing I find prices from $180 to $320. I like the price you posted in the mod write up.

Mark

Well you sure are enchanted anyhow Maybe some of the bearings got lubed better than others I dunno, mine were almost dry, and Bill's were done dried..



I got them from Kaman Bearings, locally to me, I had to order the 7004 and the seal. I used my 'Ma Bell' discount for volume-deal pricing, (we burn up lots of stuff) so my prices may be better, .....but I'm not sure about 2-3 times better....here's a link to the national website anyhow..

http://www.kamandirect.com/prd_spec_SKFpm.htm

Can you give me the SKF number from the box, I find a lot of #7004 bearings from SKF, I am not sure which one to ask for. I went to Motion Industries and found a SKF 7004 ACD/P4ADGA for $380. WOW I wish I had that volume discount.

I think she's right about the Charade. Don't know about the Justy

Sorry, I don't know the SKF #s, I got NSK brand, the # on the box is '7004CTYNSULP4' with 'JB-0644' underneath that

Any word on why the Densos went from $320 to over $400 in just about a year? I paid $320 for my Denso that is on my 650 from Holopaw Gene in November 2005.

I can understand a 5 to 7% price increase each year as a matter of course with any motorcycle manufacturer. But a 20 to 25% increase is a little high, IMHO, unless they made some signifcant improvement or something like that.

Did they change the coupler assembly?
Did they install better bearings or gears?
Did they use a different alternator?
Did Denso jack the price on IMWA?

Or was it for the same reason that dogs lick themselves? (Because they can)

Enquiring minds want to know...

FWIW, the Denso alternator doesn't appear on the IMWA "Accessories" page on their website anymore. Whassupwitdat?

Could be the Dollar is weak.

It's still the preferred currency in Russia, right?

Be careful what you wish for!

When the Denso and adapter became available IMWA told us that it was an introductory price. They knew the old alt's were a weak spot and they said that they wanted to look out for the owners of older bikes. Everyone rushed out to buy them before the price increase. Six to eight months later some were griping that they had been misled. Well, it took a while but they kept their word:)

They like it so much they want more...and more.

Well, if that's the case, then it makes sense and it was good for IMWA to do.

I know that they changed the adapter mount and bearings. The mount is supposed to be heavier and the bearings are supposed to be bigger to take the side stresses placed on them.If these changes were the reason that the price went up or if it was a weaker dollar or if it was just because that I don't know.I'd like to see the new mount side by side with the old one to see what the did differently.

CATFISH

I dunno, I walked out in the garage and took a peek at both Denso's, the one that I bought 13 months ago for the 650 and the one that came on my '06 Raven. From the outside, they don't look any different.

Or it would be my luck would be that IMWA did change it and my '06 came with the older alternator...

There has been mention of an " improved " coupler, but I don't think any such animal has hit our shores. The only change has been the price. Supposedly a better unit will be available some time this model year.

kermitski

Boy, between the 'NEW' coupler and the 'NEW' gearbox, 2007 seems to be 'THE' year.

I'm still with my 2002 BC and the old crappy alternator.