Rectifier/ Regulator wiring modifications

Hi, I have a 98 VFR800 and I've had to replace a couple of regulators in under a year. When I'm in neutral and indicating, the neutral light flickers in tune with the indicator light. I'm charging the battery every weekend as 'insurance', but I can't carry on like this. I really love the bike, but I need to be able to trust it's reliability.

I've heard of various wiring mods, but all of the ones that I've come across are for older VFRs. My regulator does have fins on it (can't remember if the original did). Does anyone have pics/ details of any uprated wiring please?

Many thanks, Nick.

 

If you've replaced the RR a few times, that almost assuredly narrows it down to the stator. On the off chance it's not the stator, it's wiring. Pick up a OEM Honda Maintenance manual. It will give you step by step instructions to check it.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

If you need a stator I have one on a junk engine, will need to pull it off and check it but yours if you need it. The engine has been outside in the weather for a couple of years and the stator may be water damaged as I made no effort to seal it up.

 

Upgrading the wiring really just consists of replacing the wiring and connectors with heavier stuff. If you can, use better heavier connectors. Some regulators actually use multiple wires for a single connection as a way of increasing the wire gauge. Run the positive and ground directly to the battery (possibly through a large fuse), rather than through the stock harness.

 

Thanks for the offer, but I live in England, so I can't pop round to collect it

I've been looking at all the threads I can find and replacing the wires with higher gauge seems to be a common suggestion. Should I go as far as cutting the wires right back to the stator and regulator, or is changing it at the block enough?

 

Wire My Bike<<----Link

 

As I understand it you ride your bike with a constantly fully loaded battery. In this condition the sr has to constantly "flame of" the surplus of power it gets deliverd from generator and is getting warm/hot all the time. Offcourse this shouldn't be a problem, but because the sr is vonerable on a vfr maybe this ads to your problem. The sr is less strained while riding the bike when the battry needs (some)loading and power consumers are on. Again, I don't think this will solve your problem but maybe it helps preventing problems in te future when you find the cause of the problem. To find the problem you will have to measure all electric components according to manual.

 

Hold on... You said, "When I'm in neutral and indicating, the neutral light flickers in tune with the indicator light." ?????

You mean the turn SIGNAL is indicating? Because if it is, that just means you are getting 12 volts from the turn signal RELAY instead of just 12 volts from a steady source.

Once again you need a workshop manual so you can see if the wiring is sorted out properly.

 

Strange things like a neutral light flickering with the turn signal usually indicate you've got a bad ground somewhere. I'd start by taking all grounds off and cleaning them well. Of course, that is easier if you've got the manual as others have suggested.