Hi guys,

found this thing on ebay called a "regulator rectifier" for the GS500's - was wondering what they actually do???

I can explain in simple terms but I am sure others will elaborate. They are 2 seperate things but function in unison with each other. The bikes generator delivers a 3phase AC output. The rectifier converts it into DC to suit the electrical system of the bike and at the same time the regulator limits the amount of voltage flowing into the system dependant on current demand and battery charge.

What the voltage rectifiers do is convert alternating electrical current (A/C) into direct current (DC). The alternator of the bike generates AC, feeds that to the rectifiers which convert it into DC, which is what the battery and electrical system need to work properly. If the rectifier fails, you lose charge and the battery eventually runs down and the whole thing quits dead. The rectifiers are essentially like a crude transistor network and they don't usually fail for the life of the bike or car. If they do fail, chances are it's because of a bad short circuit somewhere which causes excessive current to flow through the rectifiers.