Topic: Universal rectifier/regulator installation, ?What to do with the extra wire?

[Ken Glenn]

[url]  I recently got a universal rectifier/regulator from Ricks motorsports electrics to install on my 75 CB750K. Their tech sheet shows a field-1 and field-2 wire, but there is only one field wire on the old reg. ?What to do with the extra wire? Is it OK to just tape it off? I went to their web site and there was no info. I am out of a ride till I get some advice.
  My bike is heavily modifiedand uses a lot of juice. Is there another model that has an alternator that will bolt in that has a higher amp output?

[Pinhead]

The two wires are for a two-wire field coil. Your field coil does in fact have 2 wires. It's just that one of them is grounded to the engine case. If it were me, I'd find the other field coil wire, disconnect it from ground, and run it up to the "other" connector for your regulator.

The '78 and down CB750s have one of the field coil's leads grounded. '79 and up CB650s and 750s use both at the regulator.

I don't think there are any aftermarket alternators (you'll be looking for the field coil and the stator) that will fit. However, I believe some alternator shops may be able to re-wind your current stator for more current. I have no clue who, where, or how much it would cost however.

[HondaMan]

Check the power budget of your bike: if it is over 200 watts, you'll need some other alternator, as a different regulator won't create more power than the alternator can.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Check CycleX.net. They have a different aftermarket alternator setup. Light weight for better performance. I believe they say it can/will work with/without a battery? Pricey however. Only other option I have seen.

[Ken Glenn]

The Cycle X unit is a performance part and not for improving amp output.
  The wires to the rectifier are straight forward and match the color coordination. There are three wires to the old regulator, white = field, Black = switched hot, and green = ground. The universal unit has a switched hot and two field wires. If you connect the second field wire to the ground it plows the main fuse. If not connected it produces no charge. Ricks has been no help.
The other part of my question was improving out put. I was not looking for an aftermarket part. I am trying to see if the alternator from an F model will help or if the one from a goldwing or other model will work with modest modifications. I have even considered re machining the cases to accept an Aspencade alt or even to hang a GM one wire unit with a belt drive.
When I modify I do it in a big way. I am trying to send you a photo, but I am no sure how to post it.
 Any additional help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ken Glenn

[Pinhead]

There are three wires to the old regulator, white = field, Black = switched hot, and green = ground. The universal unit has a switched hot and two field wires. If you connect the second field wire to the ground it plows the main fuse. If not connected it produces no charge.

The voltage that the regulator produces for the field coil is likely "floating" above ground; grounding it would blow the fuse as you found. Since your 750 has one field coil lead grounded, you'll more-than-likely have to cut that wire from ground and run it up to your regulator.