Quote:
Originally Posted by Seeker
A motorcycle alternator runs at maximum output continuously (there are a few exceptions) - it has a permanent magnet rotor. The r/r takes what it needs and dumps the rest which is why they get hot, the more load that is placed on the alternator's power, the cooler the r/r will run. If you exceed the alternator's output by adding too many extras, the best that can happen is a flat battery, the worst is smoke.
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I'd only add that the alternator output is proportional to how fast its being turned so the R/R has to get rid of more heat the higher the engine revs. Fortunately this usually corresponds to the bike going faster so theres more cooling air available
