what does a regulator rectifier do on a motorbike ?

Search for question: "What is a rectifier?" to view my answer of what a rectifier is.

The regulator is a resistor that only allows a pre-specified amount of voltage to go to the battery. The excess voltage is sent to ground (-) so as not to over-charge the battery.

Bikes of today have the regulator & rectifier incorpoated into one unit.

Regulator Rectifier

The regulator rectifier does what it says. When the engine is running the alternator (generator) produces about 16V to keep the bikes accumulator (Battery) charged; however the battery needs a stable DC voltage at about 13.2V.

The regulator rectifier can be very expensive and is easily damaged by removing a battery lead with the engine running or using an arc welder on the vehicle without at least disconnecting the battery. They do a lot of work and run quite hot, although this normal they can cook themselves and fail! Quite common on some of the Virago models.

This Site Might Help You.

RE:

what does a regulator rectifier do on a motorbike ?

bought for rvf 400

The rectifier part, converts AC current from the alternator to DC current using Diodes The regulator part is there to regulate the amount of electricty provided to the bike. I.e when the bike is running with no likes the voltage produced will be about 13-14.5volts, but when you put on the lights or demand more from the system, the regulator will adjust the current flow to compensate for the extra load. Thats i i understnad how it works. If the regulator fails, then the battery will boil. If the rectifier fails, then the battery will run flat- quicker with lights on.

Hi,

The output from your generator involves 3 fixed magnets revolving past three coils of wires (the generator is on one end of your crankshaft). The electrical output from the generator is therefore an alternating current (like the mains electricity).

However, your battery and bike need a direct current DC charge (that is a fixed steady input voltage) - that's what the regulator rectifier does. The regulator sets a top limit to the voltage that goes from the generator to the battery (i.e. fixed at no more than 14volt for a 12 volt battery) and the rectifier converts the alternating current of the generator into the fixed DC voltage the battery needs.

Hope this helps :>

A regulator regulates the voltage, preventing overcharging of the electrical system.

A rectifier converts the AC current form the alternator, into DC current for use on a battery system.

Your bike's generator puts out alternating current (AC). The rectifier converts it to direct current (DC). The regulator lowers the voltage when necessary. Without the regulator, you would burn out expensive parts.

Regulates voltage and turns the AC output to DC volts

Paul aka Sporty

If you are replacing it compare it with one from a CBR600. Honda only use a few reg/recs and it might be VERY expensive to get one imported for your RVF when an 'off the shelf' Honda one will do. If you can get the part number, take that to your Honda dealer.