Regulator/Rectifier '79 special

[motobrix]

Hey guys,

I have a question about the regulator rectifier for my '79 special.

I'm rewiring the entire bike, using a motogadget m-unit, and I noticed some inconsistencies between wiring diagrams and what I have.

I noticed the R/R has only one ground connection, and it's also grounded externally to the wiring harness on one of the mounting bolts. Is it necessary to ground the unit with an external wire, or is the one wire coming out of the unit enough? Just wondering because the wiring diagram shows 2 wires for ground.

[IanDMacDonald]

I take my R/R wire straight to the the negative terminal on the battery.

[DiverRay]

Some of the early units had two ground wires, and the later years went to one. If it was my bike, I would spent the $145US and order a unit from geezer, a member here who owns Oregon Motorcycle Parts. web site:http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/Reg_rec_units.html
scroll down to the VRREM3-XS. Yeah, it's a lot of money if your reg still works, but it puts out at a lower RPM, and has a higher rated diodes for reliable operation.

[Prisoner6]

Some of the early units had two ground wires, and the later years went to one. If it was my bike, I would spent the $145US and order a unit from geezer, a member here who owns Oregon Motorcycle Parts. web site:http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/Reg_rec_units.html
scroll down to the VRREM3-XS. Yeah, it's a lot of money if your reg still works, but it puts out at a lower RPM, and has a higher rated diodes for reliable operation.

+1 ...

Since you're re-wiring the bike anyway, I'd go with Ray's advice and buy Tony's (Geezer) unit.

It's a high-quality product, offers better charging just off idle/at lower RPM's, and it has a lifetime warranty!

[motobrix]

Thanks guys, I'll see about those aftermarket units. They look kind of funky. Anyone have any experience with other units, like Rick's Motor Sport Electrics?:

http://ricksmotorsportelectrics.com/...lZYW1YUzExMDBT

It's similar in price, but probably performs equal to stock. Doesn't look as funky.

Yes, I know what you're thinking; who would care about the looks of a R/R? Mine is relocated to the side of the battery box, so it will be visible.

[DiverRay]

I know Tony's does not look as "nice", but it WORKS WELL. This is one case that function takes first, and form takes second, IMHO. If you don't like the looks, make an aluminum cover so the air will flow over it while riding.
OEM didn't really work well, and lifetime over a 1 year says a LOT to me.

[trbig]

Thanks guys, I'll see about those aftermarket units. They look kind of funky.

How many people are going to take off your tank and look under there and say, "Hey, what's that? It looks weird?"

I was talking with as member here last weekend about his and he says his fully charges at idle. Mine doesn't do quite that good, but is fully charging by @ 1300 rpm. Plus, I like to support people/members here when I can. Since you're rewiring the bike, Geezer also has all new wires/pins/plugs for these bikes as well at a good price.

[motobrix]

True, my regulator is visible though since I've customized my bike, and relocated the regulator to beside the battery. I also removed the side covers and relocated all other wiring to underneath the seat or the tank.

That being said, it sounds like it does work a lot better, so I may very well go this route.

How many people are going to take off your tank and look under there and say, "Hey, what's that? It looks weird?"

I was talking with as member here last weekend about his and he says his fully charges at idle. Mine doesn't do quite that good, but is fully charging by @ 1300 rpm. Plus, I like to support people/members here when I can. Since you're rewiring the bike, Geezer also has all new wires/pins/plugs for these bikes as well at a good price.