Rectifier

[paultheold]

Last week on the way home from work my bike cut out at a junction, it would not start and I flattened the battery, called the RAC waited ages so pressed starter and the thing fired, so went home and cancelled the RAC call out also charged the battery.

Friday bike fully loaded for HOC Rally in the New Forest, bike cut out again this time battery totally flat. Called out RAC who took ages to arrive. meantime one of the blokes from work pulled up on his bike to help He is an ex bike mechanic and reckoned it was a duff earth. Meantime RAC turn up. After a lot of testing of electric string it was decided that the rectifier was shot. luckily my mate from work was able to give Mr RAC the right figures and measurement for his meter.

In the end Mr RAC strapped his jump Battery onto my bike so I had power to get me home. So I followed his van to my house seven miles away. I was well chuffed with the service I received from Mr RAC, he did put himself out for me, and was duly rewarded.

So the Question is what rectifier do I fit Honda or a pattern part ?

So far I have had gears only last 25K now a rectifier only lasting 26K. Thanks Honda for selling me Crap.

Plus the fact when I arrived at the Rally they all Took the Pi** because I was in a car, and was spotted with a broken down bike, thankfully Jill had the weekend off.

So peeps is a Honda part or a copy?

[DaveS]

I suppose that depends on cost.
If the original Honda item is damned expensive, which it sounds like it will be then I'd probably go for a pattern part.
Can you actually get a pattern rectifier though?

On the flip side and I know it doesn't help you to feel any better, but mines done 25K now and I've not had a hint of trouble.
I must admit though it doesn't sound right a rectifier going at 26K. Why don't you speak to Honda to at least see what they say about it.

[robelst]

Mine broke at 40k. Was lucky enough to find a used one on eBay, although since it is OE I am not sure how long it will last because the ones Honda uses are not exactly known to last forever (Honda probably gets a big discount when buying them together with the cheaply made fuel pumps :P ). If buying new, I would definiteley go for pattern, it is unlikely to get worse quality and they are a lot cheaper (round 80 quid at Busters for example).

On RD04's it is advisable to move the rectifier away from the "exhaust-side" of the bike to avoid overheating (modified by Honda on the 07's, but not guaranteed bullet-proof either).

Good luck, it is frustrating. I actually chucked out my battery last year thinking it was dead, but turned out it was the regulator/rectifier. Splashed out twice, and stranded as many times too

[simplysie]

you guys are lucky, mine lasted a massive 5K, luckily it was still under warranty

Sie

[xrv_jim]

My AT has now done 44k miles and I suspected my rectifier may be on the way out too as I had similar symptoms as above. However, when I put my meter across the battery terminals it read 12.4v before I started the bike, and 14.8v at 4000 rpm.

Is that a duff battery?

[Northy]

Mine went at about two years ago at 45K
Don't buy an aftermaket one from M&P - got the correct one as per their catalgoue but wires didn't tally up - didn't regulate the battery just tried to cook it
Mr Honda will want £150 for new one, manage to get one from the breakers for £100, Its would appear that the rectifier is unqiue to the @.

XRV Jim - sounds like the battery to me, not holding its charge. 14.8 V is what I would expect from a good charging system. I asssume it loses its charge overnight


Northy

[robelst]

XRV Jim - sounds like the battery to me, not holding its charge. 14.8 V is what I would expect from a good charging system. I asssume it loses its charge overnight

Charge the battery (static voltage should measure high 12 / low 13 volts). Switch off the lights, start bike, rev it up a bit (3500 rpm or more). It should now read around 14.5 V. If you switch the lights on and you see it drop just under the battery's static voltage (meaning the battery is being drained) chances of 10 to 1 the regulator / rectifier is dead. I have postponed changing the regulator by disconnecting one of the headlights, which just helped to keep the battery charged, but is not ideal. Good luck with it!

[robelst]

Wemoto ( http://shop.wemoto.com/index.dyn?oid=25392 ) does one for £77.76. It is described as "7 Wires SH538D-13", double-check if that is correct.

[paultheold]

Well I decided for a OEM rectifier, bitter experience has taught me that copies of OEM equipment is generally of a lower standard. Yes it was expensive but I saved £13 by belonging to the Honda Owners Club [a plug for HOC] My local Dealer had the rectifier for me the next day, well done Roger Barrett.

At present it looks like the Battery has survived without any harm.

[robelst]

At present it looks like the Battery has survived without any harm.

Yes, the rectifier/regulator on the AT seems to have a "gentle" way of breaking down, it does not overload, cook and then fry the battery to an almost certain death like on many other bikes but it does the opposite.
Well done, it may have been expensive enough but at least you were not fooled into buying a new battery as well like I was