Why are motorcycle reg/rec's so unreliable? - SV650.org

dyzio · 11-06-12, 09:54 PM

Might be a bit to harsh with the thread title, but:

My bike currently shows symptoms of a dead RR, there have been numerous threads on here on the RR faults on the SV. Triumph forums seem to be full of them as well, at least the 675's.

I spoke today at work with someone from the electronics department, and the person was surprised at the common* RR faults. A quick google revealed a diagram with a few diodes, so I'm surprised as well.

*) Of course, it might also be that I'm seeing a few dozen faults reported, however taken in perspective of the number of bikes sold, it's only a minimal percentage of units failing.

Is there any explanation what causes them to fail?

Sid Squid · 11-06-12, 09:59 PM

They're not. The overwhelming majority of people have never suffered from this problem, they don't post up that it's working just fine, the opposite isn't the case though.

Go to a motor factors that does exchange alternators for cars and vans, they sell lots too.

Bibio · 11-06-12, 09:59 PM

its not the RR its the grade of wiring going to and fro as its been noted that upgrading the stock wiring makes them run cooler.

just like a processor in a computer if it gets to hot it breaks.

11-06-12, 10:52 PM

I'm with Sid, never had to change one on any bike i've had, Yet

yorkie_chris · 11-06-12, 10:56 PM

It is a very common fault. They break much more than CDIs, or conrods, or ignition switches...

The MOSFET ones last much much better, not seen a dead one yet.

dyzio · 11-06-12, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluefish

Yet

I said that 10 days ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

The MOSFET ones last much much better, not seen a dead one yet.

I think the post 2009 675's have a mosfet, but I also think there have been a few mentioned of them going bad as well.

I've had a look through the other site and I found what looks to be a replacement reg for 1/4 of the price (Triumph are asking 230 pounds).
Is there a way of telling if it's a MOSFET unit? It's described as a direct replacement (for a Kwak RR):

tonyk · 12-06-12, 03:59 AM

My reg failed at the ace cafe..............everyone that came to look said yep a common fault on the 675's..even the AA man said the same.
The 675 forum said a known fault...........bloody hell, just lucky i got fixed under waranty...
But sayindg that, i had a bloody leak for 2 years and 3 services later, untill they fixed that. "bolt too long fixed by adding some washers". And now every now and again the engine management ligt goes on..but the time i get it to the deallers it goes off.....

BillyC · 13-06-12, 09:24 AM

I'd just like to report that my regulators have always been fine. Thank you.

13-06-12, 09:49 AM

Sids sig says it all, everyone blames the RR to begin with no matter what the electrical fault is.

13-06-12, 10:35 AM

3yrs 35,000 miles on my shunt wound 3 cylinder 675cc superstar.

Its had a hard life, year-round use, heated kit, track days.... the lot.

Whilst the R/R hasn't broken (yet) a lot of other stuff has!

11-06-12, 09:54 PM	#1
dyzio Member Mega Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Aberdeen'ski Posts: 2,274	Why are motorcycle reg/rec's so unreliable? Might be a bit to harsh with the thread title, but: My bike currently shows symptoms of a dead RR, there have been numerous threads on here on the RR faults on the SV. Triumph forums seem to be full of them as well, at least the 675's. I spoke today at work with someone from the electronics department, and the person was surprised at the common* RR faults. A quick google revealed a diagram with a few diodes, so I'm surprised as well. *) Of course, it might also be that I'm seeing a few dozen faults reported, however taken in perspective of the number of bikes sold, it's only a minimal percentage of units failing. Is there any explanation what causes them to fail?

11-06-12, 09:59 PM	#2
Sid Squid No, I don't lend tools. Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Skunk Works, Nth London Posts: 8,680	Re: Why are motorcycle reg/rec's so unreliable? They're not. The overwhelming majority of people have never suffered from this problem, they don't post up that it's working just fine, the opposite isn't the case though. Go to a motor factors that does exchange alternators for cars and vans, they sell lots too. __________________ If an SV650 has a flat tyre in the forest and no-one is there to blow it up, how long will it be 'til someone posts that the reg/rec is duff and the world will end unless a CBR unit is fitted? A little bit of knowledge = a dangerous thing. "a deathless anthem of nuclear-strength romantic angst"

11-06-12, 09:59 PM	#3
Bibio Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: here as devil's advocate Posts: 11,569	Re: Why are motorcycle reg/rec's so unreliable? its not the RR its the grade of wiring going to and fro as its been noted that upgrading the stock wiring makes them run cooler. just like a processor in a computer if it gets to hot it breaks.

11-06-12, 10:52 PM	#4
Bluefish Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Why are motorcycle reg/rec's so unreliable? I'm with Sid, never had to change one on any bike i've had, Yet

11-06-12, 10:56 PM	#5
yorkie_chris Noisy Git Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Halifax/Leeds Posts: 26,645	Re: Why are motorcycle reg/rec's so unreliable? It is a very common fault. They break much more than CDIs, or conrods, or ignition switches... The MOSFET ones last much much better, not seen a dead one yet. __________________ Currently Ex Biker Now rebuilding a 63' fishing trawler as a dive boat

12-06-12, 03:59 AM	#7
tonyk Member Mega Poster Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: On the beach... Posts: 1,486	Re: Why are motorcycle reg/rec's so unreliable? My reg failed at the ace cafe..............everyone that came to look said yep a common fault on the 675's..even the AA man said the same. The 675 forum said a known fault...........bloody hell, just lucky i got fixed under waranty... But sayindg that, i had a bloody leak for 2 years and 3 services later, untill they fixed that. "bolt too long fixed by adding some washers". And now every now and again the engine management ligt goes on..but the time i get it to the deallers it goes off..... __________________ "Meh" - ASM Forever, RIP. 13/03/1986 - 05/04/2008 "Better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and clear all doubts." Some days its not even worth chewing through the restraints... Last edited by tonyk; 12-06-12 at 04:04 AM.

13-06-12, 09:24 AM	#8
BillyC Moderator Mega Poster Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The exiles of Kent Posts: 2,184	Re: Why are motorcycle reg/rec's so unreliable? I'd just like to report that my regulators have always been fine. Thank you. __________________ SV650 K3 - Gone. Now a member of the SV650.org Kawasaki brigade!

13-06-12, 09:49 AM	#9
HoL Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Why are motorcycle reg/rec's so unreliable? Sids sig says it all, everyone blames the RR to begin with no matter what the electrical fault is.

13-06-12, 10:35 AM	#10
injury_ian Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Why are motorcycle reg/rec's so unreliable? 3yrs 35,000 miles on my shunt wound 3 cylinder 675cc superstar. Its had a hard life, year-round use, heated kit, track days.... the lot. Whilst the R/R hasn't broken (yet) a lot of other stuff has!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Motorcycle Art	NAPA121	Bikes - Talk & Issues	9	07-10-10 12:06 PM
Best motorcycle add-on ever! WTF?	zobers	Idle Banter	26	04-12-09 08:01 PM
Do you see the motorcycle?	mrs cuffy	Idle Banter	28	30-11-09 11:25 AM
Just got my first motorcycle!	Ice-Is-Scary	SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking	17	26-07-06 09:24 AM
motorcycle course	russg	SV Ecosse	5	28-01-06 08:49 AM