Polaris SH-775 R/R for 1979 GS1000?

[sealpup]

I've seen countless references to the Polaris SH-775 Regulator/Rectifier as a replacement option for the dodgy OEM unit. Looking at wiring diagrams, photos, and posts, they appear to all point to a combination R/R.

My 1979 GS1000 is different - it has a separate rectifier and regulator.

Firstly, are the early (prior to 1980) rectifiers and regulators as prone to failure as the later combination units?
Secondly is there a sound alternative like the SH-775, or is it a case of replacing failed items with OEM or replica components?

I haven't got fried electrics yet, but I figure it's a matter of time. Being armed with knowledge up front will be a benefit.

Thanks in advance.

[tom203]

The SH-775 would replace both your rectifier and regulator. It helps keep your stator from working harder than necessary.It's a good upgrade but I understand it might be expensive getting one where you live.

[Dogma]

Any regulator you might install on a GS is likely to fail to charge the bike correctly if it is trying to work through dirty connections and grounds. (The increased resistances confuse the regulating circuitry.) The first advantage of the series R/R like the SH-775 is that it won't destroy itself and the stator in the process the way any stock GS system will. With a series regulator, just fix the wiring problems and you're back in business. Cheaper than a new R/R is to add a voltmeter so you can monitor the charging system when you ride. If the voltage starts doing something unusual, you know it's time to go hunting corroded connectors and bad grounds. Protect all of those by cleaning them and adding dielectric grease, and you're less likely to have a failure. The series regulator is insurance against your maintenance failing to keep things working.

The second benefit is this: With a stock regulator, extended periods at elevated RPM (highway cruising, even) tend to cause overheating in the stator leading to eventual failure anyway. Because of the way a series R/R does the regulation, this cannot happen.

[sealpup]

Thanks Dogma.

I've taken all earth connections back to bright metal and repaired 35 years of dodgy repairs as I came across them. All other connections have been cleaned as I work my way through the wiring loom.
A small weatherproof digital voltmeter is also mounted on the dash pad. I'll be interested to see what is tells me once I get the bike running again.

[posplayr]

Thanks Dogma.

I've taken all earth connections back to bright metal and repaired 35 years of dodgy repairs as I came across them. All other connections have been cleaned as I work my way through the wiring loom.
A small weatherproof digital voltmeter is also mounted on the dash pad. I'll be interested to see what is tells me once I get the bike running again.

See GS Charging Health in my signature.