The later style units take advantage of the improved silicon technology. The diodes are typically 50 amp, 100v PIV rating, which is strong enough to take high-current battery chargers and jumps from cars. These 2 events often cooked the original ones, which were rated 15 amps, 15 PIV in the first 750K0 (straight off the CB450). By the 750K2/CB500, the rating had risen a little to 20-25 PIV, still 15 amps. It seemed to take Honda a long time to make better rectifiers, probably because the bikes were very price-sensitive at the time.
In my upcoming AI1 plate ("All In One"), I'll be using the newer 50 amp, 100 PIV units, along with a solid-state (or fail-safe) regulator, to make them perform better and be more bulletproof. This gadget will be a good improvement for those resurrected bikes (or worn out ones) where the electrics are just tired and Honda is dropping off their support. It will also fit any Honda, and most other Brand X bikes, from the same era. Should be a good addition to the other gizmos you've all prodded me to create (see, it's all your fault...
).
..and, it will integrate the Transistorized Ignition as an option.
