Regulator/Rectifier

[kuthe64]

I have a 1981 xs650 that has been having some charging issues. I went through the trouble shooting guide and did everything that I could to the best of my knowledge. My brushes were definitely to short so I replaced them. However the voltage still does not increase when revving the engine to the specified rpms in the trouble shooting guide. So I am going to replace the regulator/rectifier. My knowledge/experience with electrical parts is absolutely nothing. I read through http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21485 and got a basic understanding of what to do but since this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tour-Max-Yamaha-XS-650-Voltage-Regulator-Rectifier-/151050105776?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item232b49b3b0 is about the same price I might just go with the used one. Or should I just spend the extra $50 or so and get this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/RICKS-REGULATOR-RECTIFIER-YAMAHA-XS650-1980-1983-/271143344087?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f216717d7 which I would assume would simply be swapping out the parts

I know the used one will not last as long but I am not sure that I can successfully build my own reg/rec.

Any help would be greatly appreciated thank you

 

[tkurt]

I highly recommend wiring up the vr-115 regulator (or similar) and putting together a 3-phase rectifier yourself. You will save money and gain a better understanding of & experience with your bike's electrics. It's relatively straightforward - I just did these changes a few months back and my bike has been running very well since then. I had little experience with the electrical system but learned a lot. Its also a good idea to wire in a voltmeter somewhere so you can monitor the charging system in real time.

There are many fantastic posts on here with good instructions, as well as experts who will help you through it

 

[5twins]

Have you tested your rotor? After the brushes, that seems to be the next most common failure. Your reg/rec may be fine.

 

[gggGary]

Yup keep testing, Replace parts when you KNOW where the problem is. Rotors that overheated when some jack ass kept riding with a bad battery are VERY common. It's hard to find a price so low that replacing the "wrong" part is the smart move......

 

[Dastommy]

Yeah 5twins helped me with the same problem last year. Ended up cooking the rotor. There's a guide on here on how to check it. We (well mostly 5twins) replaced the rotor, did the vr115 regulator and a 5twins special rectifier. Now works great.

 

[jd750ace]

I have not heard anything good about Rick's. All bad, in fact.