Boxerworks.com

Seth wrote:Anyone have an issue with Airhead alternators? Direct drive off the crank keeps the speed low so they can't charge at low rpm. How many have had broken windings (probably from crankshaft vibration). What about the electromagnet in the alternator that requires a working GEN light to start it off?

Original alternator and rotor on my 81 RS. Original diode board too, with a couple or three diodes replaced over the years.

Duane and I have different philosophies regarding airhead related questions posed on Boxerworks. I won’t try to characterize his philosophy because it’s more than likely that I don’t understand it, even a little. But the upshot is that Duane often encourages people to search the internet for answers regarding airhead questions. They (the answers) are out there, including his own eye opening writings on his website. Duane’s opinions aren’t wrong. They can’t be wrong because they are opinions (if that makes any sense).

Perhaps differences in our philosophies have to do with what Boxerworks is about, not that anybody has ever made any “mission statement” for Boxerworks. Matt has laid down some guidelines, mostly in the descriptions for the speakeasy and the other forums. I haven’t seen him trying to push Boxerworks in any particular direction as such. More, he has attempted to create an environment in which Boxerworks will flourish.

I do have an agenda. Simply, I like it here. I like hanging out with friends, met and un-met. And I want to be able to continue that enjoyment as long as it is possible and satisfying. And as a delightful side show we have the exposure to other nationalities and points of view.

I have often likened Boxerworks to the rallies at my place, which are also very enjoyable. We are brought together by our mutual enjoyment of BMW motorcycles, especially the older ones. And at the rallies, we do talk about old BMW motorcycles and some of the technicalities. But mostly we talk about “stuff”. The conversation sometimes isn’t so much different from Speakeasy, except perhaps for intensity and sometimes a sharp defense of a position. In a sense our mutual enjoyment of old BMW motorcycles is the thread (no pun) that gives us continuity and connection.

That’s how I see Boxerworks, much like a very large rally, and it explains my desire to preserve Boxerworks pretty much as it is. That would be the prime reason, I suppose, for difference in philosophy with Duane. More specifically, if we were all to follow Duane’s advice to go to the internet with our questions, I worry that Boxerworks would wither on the vine. It would become primarily another internet forum discussing current events, with perhaps a trace of twitter and facebook.

P.S. Lest there be any thoughts otherwise I hope I've made it clear that I both like and respect Duane, and value my friendship with him.

Ken, feeling protective in OKlahoma

It depends on his mood of course, but generally, I think Duane's attitude can justifiably be characterized thusly:

"I spent thousands of hours getting all that information on my site, so I'm not really in the mood to spend 15 minutes now to write it out again for you to save you the 10 seconds it will take you to Google it."


If I've made him sound too wishy-washy, I'm sure he'll correct me soon.