Chrome Regulator Cover?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
RE: Chrome Regulator Cover?
I have a friend who has owned an indy shop for 20 years. He claims that out of all the regulator failures he sees, most of them are on bikes with covers. He swears the covers hold in extra heat and kill the regulator.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 8
From: Retired and living in the mountains of NE PA
RE: Chrome Regulator Cover?
ORIGINAL: Retired_Ted
The chrome defeats the purpose of the black color and the cooling fins on the regulator.
The chrome defeats the purpose of the black color and the cooling fins on the regulator.
I'm sure the chrome cover does restrict air flow to some degree and, consequently, will have "some" effect on the life of your voltage regulator. That said, I doubt longevity is affected much as I've known voltage regulators to last for years even with a cover on them.
I think the chrome-plated voltage regulator is the best way to go. With it, you get the look with no air flow restriction. The downside is that it's a little pricey at $170. Of course, if you buy a chrome one, you can stow the stock one in a saddle bag as a spare.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 338
From: Upstate, SC
RE: Chrome Regulator Cover?
ORIGINAL: Retired_Ted
Of course, if you do lose your regulator, it'll only happen in the middle of nowhere and at night. Hope that helps - have a nice day
.
Of course, if you do lose your regulator, it'll only happen in the middle of nowhere and at night. Hope that helps - have a nice day
.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Chrome Regulator Cover?
ORIGINAL: XTrooper3936
Restricting air flow over the cooling fins I understand, but what would the purpose of the black color be? Last I heard, black absorbs heat more than light or reflective colors do, so its dark color will, if anything, make it run hotter.
ORIGINAL: Retired_Ted
The chrome defeats the purpose of the black color and the cooling fins on the regulator.
The chrome defeats the purpose of the black color and the cooling fins on the regulator.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 8
From: Retired and living in the mountains of NE PA
RE: Chrome Regulator Cover?
ORIGINAL: Retired_Ted
A black body not only absorbs more heat than one that's not black, but, it also radiates more heat. Think about it - what color is the radiator in your car? I'll bet it's not chrome. Look at the headers on a racing engine - bet they're not white (or at least they shouldn't be). There are lots of references regarding this principle - click >>>HERE<<< for a discussion, if you like. Also, have you ever seen the little toy called a RADIOMETER - it's a case in point. Radiators that are supposed to dissipate heat (and voltage regulators) should always be left black or you'll increase the chances of failure (38 year HD mechanic's advice, not mine).
ORIGINAL: XTrooper3936
Restricting air flow over the cooling fins I understand, but what would the purpose of the black color be? Last I heard, black absorbs heat more than light or reflective colors do, so its dark color will, if anything, make it run hotter.
ORIGINAL: Retired_Ted
The chrome defeats the purpose of the black color and the cooling fins on the regulator.
The chrome defeats the purpose of the black color and the cooling fins on the regulator.
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