Regulator/Rectifier Interchangeability?

[PhiSig1071]

I have a quick question, when I have more time I'll post a proper introduction, but right now I am pretty desperate for answers. I tried searching the forum and found some useful information, but not the exact answer I was looking for.

I am trying to fix my girlfriends bike, it's an '07 GS500F, it has an intermittent hard starting problem, I think it is due to a faulty regulator not completely charging the battery.

I want to order a new regulator, and I looked at two companies, Electrosport, and Rick's Motorsport Electronics. I have read a number of bad reviews of Electrosport products, so they're out. I have heard quite a few people that have had success with Ricks components, but there is one problem. They don't make a regulator for an '07. They do make one that is supposed to fit an '01-'02. I know that in '01 GS production was moved to Spain, and the bike underwent a redesign at that time. Electrosport says that the same regulator will fit anything from '01 to '09, but I wanted to ask here and verify their information.

So, will a regulator for an '01/'02 K model work properly on an '07 F model? I know that other regulators will work on a GS (someone here used a GSX-R1000 regulator) but I would rather buy something that is a straight plug-n-play because wiring isn't my strong suit, and if it isn't simply a faulty regulator I don't want to run the risk of voiding the warranty on the regulator by splicing it into a different bike.

I already have a stronger battery on order, and I put one step hotter plugs into the bike, and the valves have been adjusted and are in-spec. I may end up pulling the carbs and rebuilding them too, but for right now I think I have the problem narrowed down to the charging system.

THANK YOU! I really appreciate any info possible. And sometime tomorrow I'll post up an introduction for myself, my girlfriend, and her GS500F, "Musetta".

[Paulcet]

Yes, the Rick's Motorsport R/R should work.  I am using one from a GSXR750 now. 

[gregvhen]

im using one from an unknown 199X or so kawi.

[sledge]

Differences are in the mounting arrangements and connectors, they are all pretty much the same inside. Whats important is to get the + and - leads right, the 3ph AC input can go any way.

If they go faulty they can sometimes cause a ground path which slowly discharges the battery when the bike is not being used, much like car alternators do when they go fun bags up. Try unplugging the reg/rect from the loom when its not in use and see if the battery stays up.

[PhiSig1071]

Thank you, I didn't know they could discharge the battery if they go bad. I'll definitely check that.

[birdhandler]

the gs resources site has a huge amount of info on regulators you ideally want a MOFSET one and they are a pretty generic product.
Your local wrecker should be able to help you as well