Re: Regulator, how does it break?
Posted by
sgtslag on
May 31, 2012; 3:31pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Regulator-how-does-it-break-tp3865650p4021994.html
You are correct: the alternator has three outputs, all A/C. If your Rect./Reg. was only connected to two of the three yellow wires, it was not the correct unit. By using only 2 wires, it was only using 2/3 of the alternator's output, which means 2/3 of the full power of the alternator, to run the bike,
and charge the battery -- not enough power, period.
Draining your battery to the point where it cannot start your bike, means the battery's life has been shortened (known as "Deep Cycling"). I would recommend the
Battery Tender Jr., smart trickle charger -- even with a new, AGM battery.

Connect your bike after every ride, and your battery will always be fully charged; it will also prevent sulfation on flooded batteries, if used regularly. It is available from many vendors, including Amazon.com. Cheers!
1979 CB750K (sold, 2012, but not forgotten)
1983 Kawasaki 440 LTD Belt Drive (sold, 2011)
1993 Kawasaki Voyager XII