'79 XS1100F reg/rec replacement

[Forden]

Hi All. My taillight was flickering so I suspected reg/rec and followed the factory manual tests for the reg/rec (resistance/continuity on the rectifier anyway, couldn't run the bike to check the regulator at the moment) and looks like it needs replacement, if I'm understanding the rectifier tests correctly (which indicate continuity should be present but not when leads are reversed, for all combinations).

Results (ohmmeter on 200, lowest setting):
Red>white (any of the three) 1
White (any of the three) > Red -1 (not sure what this negative reading means, actually, but it was the same on all three combos)
Black>white (any of the three) or reversed produces a reading of about 17 ohms with leads in either position.

The manual suggests replacment if any combination doesn't show continuity across the circuit but not when leads are reversed.

What is the best replacement? I saw other threads discussing Oregon Motorcycle Parts but it looks like it's been some time since Geezer posted here. The other quick hits were Rick's and MikesXS. Or does anyone have a working unit they'd part with? No confirmed functional/tested used units on ebay on first search.

Of course I'd like to understand this issue better (as elsewhere, electrics are my weak point), so any of you wiser fellows please feel free to chime in on the results I got above.

Thanks all. I'm on the cusp of first test ride of this old gal, once I get a handle on this.

Cheers,
mike

[DEEBS11]

There are a lot of Chinese junk regulators out there with no name. They are cheap and won't last. The brand name "Ricks" makes quality units:

https://ricksmotorsportelectrics.com...gulator-10_410

[bikerphil]

If you want a Geezer unit, just send him an email through the Oregon MC parts website and he should respond. They have a higher output than the OEM units and absolutely stay away from the cheap China units.

[DEEBS11]

Phil, is this the guy?

http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/Reg_rec_units.html

[LAB3]

For those with PM alternators the Shindengen SH775 is the way to go, it certainly cured the stator problems that plagued the Suzuki GS series. With the XS having an electromagnetic field I'd often wondered if the Shindengen would work for the rectifier portion of the system.

[bikerphil]

Phil, is this the guy?

http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/Reg_rec_units.html

Yes, that's Geezer's site.

[Forden]

Thanks all, going with Rick's as Geezer would have to make one for me and I want to get it asap.

[e30 gangsta]

Can anyone explain to me what the benefit is with one of these new ones, vs the stock reg/rectifier? Thanks!

[DEEBS11]

A new quality (not Chinese) regulator has the ability to produce a higher current rating. The voltage is held at 14+ volts like any regulator but its ability to take a higher current (measured in amperes) loads such as brighter lights or heated hand grips is superior. Also heat in electronics is a major factor. A hot motor on a hot day will significantly drop in it's ability to charge. The formula is basically heat causes resistance which causes heat which causes resistance. It's an exponential formula. Want to see a real world result of that electronic formula? How many times have you heard about the charging connector in between the battery and the fuse panel on XS11 melting due to a bad connection? The resistance of that bad connection is the start of that overheating because of the current running through that unwanted bad connection resistance. Anyhoo, a quality modern regulator is superior.

https://ricksmotorsportelectrics.com...ng-Kit-99_203H

[LAB3]

Here's a K.I.S.S. explanation. About the time our bikes where being designed, sold state power electronics where still pretty new. Voltage regulators where still using breaker points to connect and disconnect the charging system from the battery just a few years earlier. As time has passed the design and components used have improved significantly. Think of it this way, try using a computer built in 1980 to connect to the internet!

Cheap knock off regulators use sub standard components with designs that allow them to be cranked out as cheap as possible. If it where me I'd go for a used stock XS1100 regulator before a cheap knock off! All this being said, if your regulator is working the way it's supposed to don't worry about upgrading it. On the other hand if you want to make your charging system bulletproof then a freshly rewound stator and top quality regulator are in order. Personally I have other things I can use the $400 for.

[Tonyxs11]

I fitted a mosfet reg/rec to my 43 year old suzuki, they run cooler than the stock ones and i also use an AGM battery for more CCA and they hold a charge much longer than led acid type.

[LAB3]

I fitted a mosfet reg/rec to my 43 year old suzuki, they run cooler than the stock ones and i also use an AGM battery for more CCA and they hold a charge much longer than led acid type.

Are you a member over on thegsresources.com? They got some top notch electronics nerds over there, that's for sure!

[Tonyxs11]

Are you a member over on thegsresources.com? They got some top notch electronics nerds over there, that's for sure!

no but i have been on their a few times, im on the OSS site.

[bikerphil]

what the benefit is with one of these new ones, vs the stock reg/rectifier?!

I know the Geezer regulator with the lifetime warranty provides better charging in the low RPM range. If you ride in stop and go traffic sometimes it will be beneficial. These bikes do discharge the battery at idle. When I check my wet cell every 3K miles, the water level always needs to be topped off. All around better voltage happening.

[oldyam80sg]

I have a regulator I bought from Geezer many years ago-still working great and he makes top quality products. I have some other things from his site also.