TOPIC:

I see rectifier and I also see rect / Reg what is the differance.

Rect / Reg

What changes on the wireing Diagram

Some older (before '78) models had separate regulators and rectifiers, where as some had combined units.

Give us a year and model of bike (as well add them to your signature) so we know which you are refering to.

My ride is a 1977 KZ 1000A1, It has the top photo which I beleave is a Reg/Rect.

Hmmm 77? Here is what the regulator looked like on my 77 650



The rectifier looks similar to what you pictured only smaller with a few less wires. You can barely see it below.




Post edited by: danoz7five0, at: 2006/01/26 21:40

The KZ1000 used a different looking setup than the KZ650. Still used a separate regulator and rectifier. They just looked different. They used this same setup in 1977 and 1978. In 1979 they went to the combined reg/rect on the KZ1000A and E at least. The LTD might have still been separate in 1979. The 650 combined in 1978, the 1000 in 1979. I think the entire 1977 KZ650 charging system was regarded as horribly unreliable whithin the first year, hence the quick change. The 1000 system caused very little trouble even on the early 1000s.

Thanks for the info, My 77 has the solid unit.

dp - Your A1 uses a separate regulator and rectifier. The rectifier turns AC to DC and the regulator makes sure it stays within voltage limits. The little picture you show shows a regulator from either a Z1, KZ900 or early KZ1000. The rectifier is probably under your left side cover and is called a rectifier bridge. It is two small square plates with wires running between them and is about 2" square. Later, Kaw started using more modern combined units like the larger picture. That is a reg/rec and could come from a variety of KZ1000s or KZ1100s and probably any other models.

(((I originally typed fast and mixed up the function of the regulator and rectifer))) Thanks to the person who pointed my mistake out. I am always open to having my mistakes pointed out as to err is human but to forgive is divine! (swiped quote too)

Post edited by: wiredgeorge, at: 2006/01/27 13:47

wiredgeorge wrote:

...The regulator turns AC to DC and the rectifier makes sure it stays within voltage limits...

What?

I think the 77 650 charging system would have been very reliable if they had used a better regulator/rectifier setup. The alternator was very unique. It had the benefits of a variable field without the down-side of slip rings or brushes. I think Kaw ditched it because it was a very expensive alternator to make and wanted to make their whole line consistent with permanent-field alternators.

Variable-field alternators will rob less horsepower when lights and such are removed. A permanent-magnet alternator still loads the engine regardless of electrical use.

Once again thanks for your support and info.