My Ricks R/R install - Pics included

Well, for those that have not seen a Ricks R/R....now you have!

Ricks v Original 96 Honda with PC heatsync



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What you see on the back of the Ricks R/R is a silicone type heat conductor. However this silicone base does not sit flush against the frame like you think it would. I tested this by putting gue on the back, and pressing it up to the frame. No gue on frame.




I still covered it in Arctic gue anyway. Gave it a nice coating.



Applied some locktite to the bolts, and installed.

 

Thanks for the pics, man! Only one thing... silicone does not transfer heat. It's an insulator, hence silicone oven gloves. Though, Arctic Silver will transfer heat, you should check regularly to make sure it doesn't heat up and drip down your frame.

Do you have info on Rick's? Is is a shop? A home-grown outfit? How much was the part? Let us know how it works in the long run.

I'm new to the group and am still getting my feet wet with the new VFRs. I used to have a 1990 VFR, back in the day. I read your recent post on the trip from OR to BC. Good times. Give me a shout when you're in Seattle again.

 

Google rick's motorsport electrics. They are awesome over there.

Yeah....not to sure what that backing is on the Ricks unit. It feels like a silicone base substance, however I am sure its something that does transfer heat, as Ricks does make their own products. They know what they are doing, and I have only heard good things. They are fully aware of the R/R issues on VFR's.

I actually just removed all the gue I put on there. Probably the safest bet. I want to talk to their tech guys first, before applying that stuff. See how this baby works.

 

My guess is that it is a silicone-based coating, but it's there to protect the electronics inside from the elements and the added heat of the engine as well. But, that's just a guess.

I figure I'll know more when I run into the issue and have to order one of these for my own ride. Cheers!

 

Wow, so thats what the new ones look like bigger fins.. I've had lots of problems with my charging system. I did replace my stator and install a 2000 R/R had wiremybike.com make an fused 30 amp harness for me $25.00. I think this has a bigger diode in the 2000 model R/R. This all went on my 94 750 and then install a fan on top of it. I've had no problems yet going on three months now. Oh ya i did install a voltmeter on it too.

 

Good job on this thread. If I could I'd give ya props, LOL opps thats another site..

 

replaced thre r/r on my 1996 with an electrosprt after a sudden failure on on trip.........anyone have a problem with the aftermarket units?

 

I have heard a few having issues with the electrosport units. However all of the issues seem to be associated with people getting dead units in the mail.

RVFR has had good luck with his.

 

Yep, mines working good.

 

I did have a problem but got it resolved with an upgraded R/R 98-99 model R/R. I replaced a few before the upgrade I did buy a stator with the new R/R I live in the area of Electrosport. Electrosport was very helpful with me. have no problems yet.

 

ptmman68 ......was the 98-99.R/R a direct bolt on replacement? Joshua at wire-my-bike is working on the wiring......

 

Yes, I had to get a longer bolt to replace the one that held the r/r. Joshua made my harness for me. You will have two connectors one plugs into the stator and the other two battery with a 30 amp fuse but Joshua will have that harness for you to hook up. I also installed a fan on top of the r/r too. Over kill maybe.. Good luck he will treat you right.

 

I finally put a 486 fan on mine to keep the stupid thing cool, I've been through a dozen or so of 1st, 2nd, and now 3rd gen regulators on 3 different VFR's.

I'm an electronics guru, and the rubbery stuff is NOT heat transfer compound. It's only to encapsulate and protect the electronic parts inside. Also a thick layer of heat transfer goo is also NOT a significant benfit, nor does it help by having alot of it on there. Its designed to be used as a micro thin layer between 2 metal surfaces to fill microsmall gaps between the surfaces. The glob you put on the rubber section is going to do nothing for your heat transfer. I know everyone thinks if a little is good a lot must be better, very wrong, use that stuff sparingly and it will work a million times better. Since your metal to metal surface is limited with the rectifryer you are installing may I suggest something like this. It's easy to integrate into the tail lite wiring so it only runs when the key is on.

 

Nice. After I applied all the goo, I did a lot of reading on it, and found most of what you just pointed out, so I actually wiped it all off.

What did you use to attach the PC fan to the R/R? My Ricks R/R looks similiar to yours. Did you use rubber silicon glue?