Stator opinions. To do or not?

[jimmyenglish]

Hi everyone. I'm looking for opinions regarding the stator in my 86' w/90k miles.

 

My wife and I do a big trip everyear (w/trailer) and this year we're going to Ireland. Currently, there is an oil leak somewhere around the stator cover that I have to fix to pass the vehicle inspection. I figure if I have take that cover off again maybe it's a good time to just go ahead and replace the stator while I'm in there and ward off any chance of failure on the road. It's always worked fine in the past although the voltage gauge is usually flat at idle. Of course, if I do this I will upgrade the regulator/rectifier as well.

 

Looking around it seems a lot of people have done the Rick's stator. Is the high output one really worth it? We don't run much more than the standard accessories (plus trailer lights). Read a lot of horror stories about the electrosport one and the buckeye's is just out of my price range. What's the longevity record of the Rick's one? Or should I look for a NOS?

 

I don't usually "fix" things that aren't broken but I don't have a problem putting $ into this bike since I plan on riding it till my dying day and a stator breakdown here in Europe would likely be a trip ender.

 

So what do you guys think? Am I worrying too much or should I just go ahead and do it?

 

Thanks a lot in advance! This is a great forum!

 

John

[bongobobny]

Well, at 90K you are right, your stock stator is probably living on borrowed time, but who knows, it may last another 90K!

 

As far as upgrading to a higher output stator, probably not for you. There is a trade off with high output, they generate more heat and therefore live a shorter life. Unless you are running a lot of extra lights and accessories, a stock stator will most likely serve your needs...

[Peder_y2k]

Due to the age and miles on your bike, I'd replace the stator with new std. output, and also carry a good TCI box at all times, and a spare v-regulator and fuel pump on long trips.

Remember, "All things mechanical and electrical will fail, it's just a matter of when."

 

-Pete, in Tacoma WA USA