voltage regulator

[Rocketman]

When I got my 250r it didn't have a head light on it, or the original switches. So I bought one off ebay, got an original light and on/off switch with the headlight switch. I went to hook it all up last night and discovered the bike doesn't have a voltage regulator on it. I knew the wiring was a mess but hadn't looked it over that close. So I didn't hook up the light yet. What do you all think, am I running a risk of burning out the light with out a voltage regulator on it? Who knows how long it hasn't had one, so the cdi must not be at too much risk

[Fuzzy]

The engine uses two different coils in the stators. One runs the ignition and the other is the lighting coil. And that is the one the regulator runs on. So it should run fine with out the regulator. But as far as the lights go you should have a regulator on there. I ran one on a snowmobile one time with out the regulator. And when i ran the rpms up on the engine the lights got brighter and brighter until it burned the bulbs out. So i wouldnt hook the wires up for a light until you can get a regulator.

[Rocketman]

Well I didn't know they had different coils for the light and the cdi.
Learn something every day. And nice to know. :)

[Fuzzy]

I cant say for sure on the 250r. And I didnt know what year r you are working on. But that is the way the 185/200 type engines are set up. And i would assume the setup is similar on the 250r. But maybe some one else here with a 250r could shine a little more light on it.

[200x_Basket]

fuzzy is right on the 85-86 250r

[dads]

If it has three or four wires from the case it has a power coil in it .trikes just for raceing didn't have lights so no need for power coil.

[don250R]

hey guys,
it's like this.................
if u don't have a battery, why do u need a regulator?
the alternator needs BOTH lights however.
The reason being the current(and/or voltage) is being divided between both lights. If u run one , it gets it all. (Light burning out quick).
That also brings us to resistor plugs(O>E>M> recommended).
If u don't have a radio, why do u need resistor plugs?
I.E. mine trike oem says NGK BR9ES
i run B9ES.
25 to 50 cents cheaper.
just thinking out loud.................
btw the 81-84 have only 3 wires with lights.........
unless u count the pig-tail.....................

[Fuzzy]

The reason for the regulator. Is to draw off extra amperage when the engine gets in to high rpm`s. Other wise the bulbs wouldnt be able to take all the amps and would burn out the first time you wound out the engine. All the regulator does is ground to the frame. And when the amperage starts to rise over what the system is rated for. Then the regulator drains the extra amps that the system dosnt need. And. grounds it out through the frame.

And i still buy resister plugs. Not because of having a radio on the trike. But because of all the houses i am going past. I hate when i am watching a movie and someone goes by and i hear there engine through the tv set or stereo. So just to be conciderate i spend the .50 and use resister plugs.

[dads]

Plus the resister plug stops the spark from burning out the electrode in the plug. this means i dont have to change plugs as often.