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Re: charging system fault finding
Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2021 7:26 pm
by Kurt in S.A.
Just about any decent 12v regulator would be better than the 1970s OEM one. I installed a Transpo brand regulator on my /7 years ago. The IBMWR site has substitutes...they list several regulators:
https://ibmwr.org/index.php/bmw-parts-substitutes/
Kurt in S.A.
Re: charging system fault finding
Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2021 4:23 am
by Rob Frankham
The solid state regulators fitted by BMW are perfectly adequate... the mechanical ones work quite well. There is a myth that a higher charge voltage and rate is automatically a good thing. This is not the case. In fact, to a certain extent, the lower the charge rate the better it is for the battery provided it meets the requirements of the end use application (the bike electrics).
There is also a myth that a different regulator can somehow increase the maximum output of an alternator. This is also not the case. The ability of the alternator to produce electricity is dependant on the alternator alone. The regulator only reduces the output to that required by the bike.
In essence, there is no need to replace the regulator unless it is in some way defective... unless, as I say, the bike is used mainly for very short journeys in which case a regulator with a slightly higher limiting voltage can be used to make a small benefit in the time taken for the battery to achieve full charge.
In seeking a replacement, I would always go for one from a reputable and well estasblished manufacturer rather than from a bike accessory firm mainly on the grounds of reliability and accountability...
Rob