Well my 99 VFR finally got bit by the dreaded "Failed Reg./Rectifier" on my bike today. I got it home, but it killed the battery and the rectifier had a small hole in it that looked like it had been cut by a plasma torch. There were small drops of solder on the back side of it, and a spray of solder on the frame. If any of you have had this problem I need to know; 1. Was there any other damage to other parts of the electrical system? 2. Did you just replace the Rectifier, or did you run it by your dealer for a check up? If you did get it checked out, what did they find out? Did you have to replace it again within 6 months of the first failure? This seems like the "weakest link" for this bike. I have known about the problem for years, but hoped to dodge it. Those of you that have the new generation of the bike, is this still an issue? It's not going to be cheap to repair. I am figuring I will be lucky to get away for less than a $275-$300. repair tab.

 

Mine went out around 3 years ago (I have a 96). Honda apparently fixed the problem with the aftermarket/replacement unit. Mine cost $167.00 but you can get them cheaper. I found an internet post where a electronic engineer out of Australia lowered his units temperature by J-B Welding a Pentium Computer cooling fan to the new unit and wire it into the ignition/lights. I did this( a $10.00 Mod) and am hoping it takes care of the problem.

No Sweat......You do not have a dealer install, it's simpy a bolt-on-plug-in affair. It's the weak link so if failed. You may have to get a new battery, just check it with a voltmeter/battery tester. Apparently when they fail they cook the battery with too much voltage.

Try.
VFR Discussion
Texas VFR Page------ >Click on Technical Articles

You'll find what you need.


BTW, nice choice of a bike.

 

Thanks! I've done a bit of research on the problem and it seems that there is more to it than meets the eye. Many people that have had the part fail experienced a failed battery around the time that the rectifier failed. Honda has made some changes in the body (at least) of the 00 & 01 part. These units have fins on both sides of the part for better cooling, where the OEM part for the 98-99 units (mine) are only finned on the front side. I talked it over with my mechanic and we decided to use the 00/01 part. Also there is possible damage to other parts of the charging system. They suggested a full check on the charging system so that if the part fails again, it's on them rather then on me. That made sense to me, so that's the plan.
Rather than overcharging the battery, my battery had the life sucked out of it. I think it just provided all the juice for the spark plugs that got me home? (about 6 miles) The bike quit running within minutes of hitting the driveway. The battery voltage was indicated @ less than 10 volts. I charged it for 5 hours and it checked out @ 13 volts 24 hours later, so I am hopeful the event didn't eat the battery. We will see how it all plays out.

 

I'm sad to say I've experienced the same problem with my '98 VFR. The battery appeared to be failing. I got a new DieHard, seasoned it per specifications, put it in the bike and it died about a month later. I keep a battery tender on it whenever it's parked. If I take a long trip, the battery is almost dead!

I have heard about the rectifier issues with this model. I purchased one and installed it. It still seems as though the battery isn't getting a good charge when we're "out and about".

If the battery dies when the rectifier dies, do you think I should get a new battery?

This has been such a dependable bike, I hate that I'm not confident that it'll make it home when we go for a ride.

What do you think?

 

Sounds like you need to replace the rectifier(again).

 

It appears that this part is the weakest link on the bike. Get yourself a small digital voltmeter and install it where you can see it while riding. I was told to put it inline on a light circuit, like the rear light assembly. If you see a voltage indication of 12 V. or less with the motor running @3K RPM you have a problem. I think I will install one after I get mine fixed.
I can't comment on your new battery issue. Looks like we need to replace them sooner than we need them, just to prevent the rectifier failure. If it's older than 2 years...maybe so? A pretty sad deal for an otherwise great bike!

 

Buy one from Electrex USA.
http://www.electrexusa.com

They are better then the OEM ones, and the battery should be replaced when the regulator/rectifier goes. It could have damaged the battery and that battery if damaged can put a higher load on the new regulator/rectifier and can damage it.

 

I hate to jinx myself, but I have the original rectifier in my bike. It's a '90 with 15K miles (I know, I need to ride it more).

Anyway, knowing the problems with them, I purchased a spare that I keep with me. I bought it from a dealer in NY on the internet for around $150. Having deciphered the part number, Honda is on the 4th revision, so hopefully this one will last.

I wish I knew someone like Woodwork in the motorcycle division to get the full scoop on this problem and whether or not this latest piece is the "real" fix.

 

Sad to say here it is the 3rd of Sept. and the bike is still not repaired. My shop has a major backlog of broken Honda's so they didn't want to take the bike and just have it sit around. I called today and they will be able to take it next week. The new rectifier came in two days after it was ordered. I had them order a 2000-2001 part and it was $152.00. I just hope there is nothing else fried. Wish me luck! I sure have missed those Sun. morning rides.

 

Chipster...I cannot believe my luck. Talking about my VFR's rectifier....You've jinxed me! I rode 419 miles last Saturday in 95 degree heat and mine failed within 6 miles of my house. I'm going to electrexusa to get mine. AARRRRGGGG!