Voltage R/R Reliability?

I've heard here and there about Honda viffers having voltage regulators fail often enough to be a concern. I've had my '84 VF750F since 2016 and have only put 5k miles on the clock, which is sitting at 23k now, with no electrical problems or burned connectors aside from 3 battery replacements. Although just today I found out that both my thermostatic fan switch no longer works, and that I need another new battery. These sealed Yuasa batteries only last 2-3 years on average, while my 6v optima has been going strong since 2015 despite being neglected on the bench and never kept charged with a float charger. Anyway, are the first gen voltage regulators an area of concern or no? And by extension, any other electrical gremlins to watch out for?

 

Yuasa batteries went to crap, IMHO, many years ago and I wouldn't buy one. If you want traditional, go MotoBatt (last ~8 years for me). There are many options for Li batteries now-a-days.

Don't throw parts. Diagnose the charging system and continue to monitor/maintain it. It is a weak link, not just the R/R.

 

I would recommend eliminating the stator plug (regardless how good it still looks), trim the wires back a little and solder. Perhaps install a voltage meter to monitor. Some will only come on if the voltage is out of a set range so you don't have to stare at it all the time.

Also inspect the power connector on the starter solenoid. They often get neglected and are known to melt, just like the stator connector.

I have also switched to MotoBatt.

 

Found a timer switch on trickle charger supply and only charging for a couple of hours a day extends battery life, especially for non sealed batteries often used on older bikes.

 

I would be highly skeptical of timing your own charges without data. They make super cheap smart chargers these days. Try one and you'll never go back. I use an AIMTOM for car/bike, SLA/AGM/LiON. It senses the battery and charges with the appropriate algorithm. No human that I've met is going to do that.