what is this?

[CCC-TT]

I started pulling the bike apart tonight to get the carbs off. i took the airbox off and mounted underneath is some kind of electrical box... and all the wires (4-5) were cut about an inch off the box. It was covered in grease so I couldnt read what it said. Just curious if anyone might know what it is. The bike runs flawlessly other than the sending unit in the tank leaking so I'm assuming it cant be too important but I'd like to know what it is and how quickly it needs to be replaced.

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks

[BigD_83]

It's short order and late in most of North America...

that's your Regulator/Rectifier, and without it I don't know how your motorcycle is running anywhere near properly. A PO must have installed a replacement and left the old (apparently non-functioning) one in place.

What model/year do you have?

[CCC-TT]

1980 gs550l. I had a feeling that would be the answer. What would a replacement look like/where could it be mounted?

Idk what the deal is but the bike runs perfectly.

[tkent02]

Regulator and rectifier were separate units in the original GSes, maybe someone put in a combined R/R and just left the old regulator there?

I would have thought the 1980 would have had a combined unit from the beginning...

Something for you to check into anyway.

[Agemax]

maybe a pic will help us solve your problem

[TheBigRed]

i took the airbox off and mounted underneath is some kind of electrical box... and all the wires (4-5) were cut about an inch off the box.

1980 gs550l. I had a feeling that would be the answer. What would a replacement look like/where could it be mounted?

Idk what the deal is but the bike runs perfectly.

Regulator and rectifier were separate units in the original GSes, maybe someone put in a combined R/R and just left the old regulator there?

I would have thought the 1980 would have had a combined unit from the beginning...

Something for you to check into anyway.

tkent02 would be correct. The 80 model Regulator / Rectifier is a single unit, and is also mounted to the battery holder.

I believe what you are looking at is the ignitor (at least that is where the ignitor is mounted on my 550T and was also mounted on my 650E (when I had it)). Being that the wires are cut, you may be fortunate and have been upgraded to a Dyna ignition system. At least that is my guess and 2 cents worth.

[cowboyup3371]

If it's UNDERNEATH the airbox like you said then it's your igniter on the 550s; the R/R is mounted to the side of the battery box. Like asked, post a picture of it though.

[CCC-TT]

Dont have pictures of that yet but I think I've found the R/R you guys are talking about on the battery box. It looks like some sort of heat-sink with about 5 wires coming out of it?


Also, noticed these today if anyone might know what they are?
(looks to be ignition as the two wires are plug wires?)


...what is this Tan thing?

[tkent02]

Ignition coils, one black and one tan.

[CCC-TT]

cool, thanks.

[tom203]

Ignition coils, one black and one tan.

One of my favorite beers- Saranac black and tan from upstate NY

[cowboyup3371]

That other connector looks to be to your left handle switch. It's easy to trace out as it will run along the left side of the bike, up through your triple tree, and to the left grip.

Based on the black crud I see there, I highly recommend you take your harness apart (label everything first) and clean every single one of your connectors with DeOxit. Remove ALL electrical tape from every piece and closely look at your wires; some will naturally be stripped/spliced due to the factory way of doing things so recover those. Check EVERY connector and make sure they are all in good shape. Even one burnt connector will lead to problems with your charging system. Trust me, I didn't do a good enough job with mine when I first got my bike and killed a stator that didn't need to be. Connectors and terminals are cheap - much cheaper than a new stator or R/R.

[CCC-TT]

Will Do, thanks for the advice.