[Spam] RE: [Spam] Re: [Ducati] Misc ponderings about regulators

[MS&F]

"Many years ago I converted my pre-unit 650 Triumph from 6 volt to 12 volt
electrics (mainly for quality of headlight output).  Part of the new wiring
system was a Zener Diode mounted on a heat sink which dumped the excess
alternator output in the form of heat.  Together with a rather large
capacitor to feed the distributor/coil ignition system (to eliminate the
need for a battery) the bike ran well for many thousands of miles, always
starting first kick.

I know that the alternator output on my Ducati (2001 900 SS) is many times
that of the old Tbird but am I being naive when I ask why not use a similar
system in today's machines?

Barry"

That's basically how it all still works today, its all just packaged in a
pretty casting can costs about as much as your whole Tbird did.

Stuart