Just installed the third regulator/rectifier today in my 98 VFR800. Installed the second one two weeks ago (it lasted 20 miles). Thanks to many posts on this site, I think the problem is under control. The original r/r lasted just over 30,000 miles before acting up. Per murphy's law, it happened during a trip to the north Georgia mountains, over 700 miles away. Periodically, the bike wouldn't start. Had to either wait until the bike cooled off, or had to get a push start. Was able to get back home eventually. Second time was on a trip to the mountains in Eastern West Virginia. Got a push start at a gas station and kept the bike going back to my house. It did work better if I kept the revs up. Bought an aftermarket heavy duty voltage r/r based on a lot of comments on the internet, installed it, and, despite the voltage at higher revolutions being over a volt high, went on a test ride. Bad choice. The bike just died. Trailered it back home. The r/r fried, and the alternator wires had melted and deformed insulation from overheating. So I purchased an OEM r/r and carefully heatsinked it with the included aluminum heatsink plate. Ordered an aftermarket heavy duty three pin connector plug and socket to replace the stock (too light duty) connectors. The new r/r has a much lower battery voltage measurement at 5000 rpm than called for in the VFR800 manual, but that is probably because the new r/r is a mosfet design. As I understand it, mosfet r/r regulation is much different in that they don't short out excess alternator output to ground, but prevent that output from ever getting to the battery (they regulate instead of shunting alternator output). This should reduce load on the alternator, reduce heat caused by any resistance in connectors, and extend both r/r and battery life. Looks good on paper, sure hope it works. This is my first post on this site. Been riding motorcycles since 1951. First one was a Servicycle. Second one was a mid-60s BSA Goldstar. Took up enduros in 1968 on a DT1. Competed over the years in enduros, cross country, hare scrambles, motocross, dual sports, and road racing. Competed over most eastern states and one state west of the misssissippi. Toured all contiguous 48 states on motorcycles. Have owned about 50 or more bikes and still have 10. Raised three sons who competed on motorcycles (one extensively). I like restoring older small displacement bikes. My favorite Honda motorcycles I have owned are the 98 VFR800, 90 NS50F, 88 NS650GT, 82 FT500, , and the 82 V45 Sabre. Newest bike is a 2010 Husqvarna TE250 dual sport.
So, old-timer, you never had an NT650 Hawk ?? One of Honda's funest, best-handling smaller bikes ever ! BTW, what is a NS650GT ??
Ice-Hunchin! My Ninja 500 would wax your hawks arse :flip: And I did owned a hawk gt...anywhooOOooooOOOOOOoooOOO....nice squirrel avitar...they are soo Cute!
