Voltage Regulators (General Question)

Here is a question for the electrical Gurus.

Can I use any voltage regulator that has the same number of wires. For instance a regulator from a Suzuki, Honda Yamaha, Harley, etc. Is there a difference besides the way they mount and plugs on the end of the wires. Are there heavy duty regulators or are they basically the same?

If the external system configuration is similar, you might be able to swap them. The reg is usually built into the rectifier assembly because on bikes, the reg is driving the gates of the SCR's that control current in the stator windings. Some stators are single phase and some are three phase. The SCR's also have different current ratings depending upon the system load. Some regs have a remote sense wire you have to hook to 12V in the system and some have it built into the unit. I think you would have to trace out the schematic and compare them.

I am looking for a 3 phase shunt type rated at 35 amps or better. It is going on a 1982 GS1100 the bike will have radio and a small amplifier, so I am trying to find a compatible unit that has a few more amps than the stock unit. I believe the GS and KZ regulators will interchange with a little tweaking on the mounting bolts, with this being said I was wondering if some of the newer bikes with all the electronics would be compatible. I would think the newer bikes would have a bigger amperage regulator to compensate for the updated electronics on the newer bikes. If I could only find out what would work without frying my harness I would be good to go. Any suggestions.


I just saw this one on ebay it fits an 03 cbr 954 would this work?
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...Item&ssPageName=STRK

I wouldn't have a guess because they don't sell them rated in amps. My best guess would be go to babittsonline.com and see if you can look up police bike versions because they often put on over rated alternators and regulators to handle the extra lights, radio, siren, etc.

Damn good idea. I never even thought about that. Thanks I will give it a shot. If anyone knows of something else chime in, I am trying to do this on the cheap since work is scarce these days.