12 volt conversion

On this web site go to Technical->Electrical->6v to 12v Conversion and that will take you to a nice piece on the subject by Al Oz.

Well that's sorted then! 6V to 12V and fit a Boyer ignition at the same time allows you to use the original 6 v coils. You get easier starting, less vibration, longer engine life, better lights, greater choice of lamps and batteries and still ride a Norton!

Al Oz

Just got my prewar 16H on the road - 6v generator and CVC to look after charging - seems OK at present. But Al's point about bulb choice stikes a chord. 6 volt twin filament bayonet fitting headlamp bulbs seem to be in rather short supply. Searched for ages and found one at Kempton the other day. Will 6 volts die out very soon - when we can no longer buy bulbs? Or is there a huge secret stash somewhere?

Vehicle Wiring Products has a great choice of 6 and 12 volt bulbs.

Previously David Cooper wrote:

Just got my prewar 16H on the road - 6v generator and CVC to look after charging - seems OK at present. But Al's point about bulb choice stikes a chord. 6 volt twin filament bayonet fitting headlamp bulbs seem to be in rather short supply. Searched for ages and found one at Kempton the other day. Will 6 volts die out very soon - when we can no longer buy bulbs? Or is there a huge secret stash somewhere?

Now you know how it is for those of us who live in the USA. Buying a 12v headlight bulb for Brit bikes is not easy, it usually requires going to someone who specialises in British bikes. Not like back home where they were available from any petrol station...