Voltage Regulator
The F650GS has a permanent magnet 3 phase 406 watt, 29 amp alternator. Component details of the internal circuitry of the regulator are unknown but it is a Shindengen shunt type regulator rectifier with IC control circuitry.
The regulator is common to the F Series twin cylinder machines and regulates to 13.8 to 14.2v. It was specified at a time BMW batteries were all VRLA batteries and does not suit Unsealed Lead Acid, AGM or Lithium.
Note. The later models and BMW spares have upgraded VR's which regulate to 14.4v. (marked with SH541SC)
The problem occurs during summer conditions in slow traffic and slow bush tracks. The output voltage from the regulator rises with temperature which is called thermal drift. In extreme conditions the regulator can drop out feeding unregulated alternator output to the electrical system.The symptoms can be seen easily with a voltmeter connected.
The increased output voltage from the regulator can lead to overheating and overcharging of the battery. In the case of VRLA batteries it can lead to shorter battery life as these batteries are adversely affected by voltages above 14.2v.
An indication of battery overheating or overcharging is that the inner cells of the OEM battery require greater top up than the outer cells. In hot climates the standard battery requires more frequent checking.
The solution is to relocate the regulator to the RHS side of the engine in place of the curved wiring cover as per the XCountry model. The voltage Regulator mount from the XCountry could be used.The mount is a length of 3mm thick alloy U Channel
Bracket Dimensions
105 mm long 50mm wide and 25 mm high with 15mm offset mounts for the engine and Regulator
Regulator Dimensions
90mm wide x 80mm high 67.5 mm mounting centers
XCountry Bracket BMW Part No - 62167696798
The XCountry bracket fits the GS but needs to be bent down a little (1 to 1.5cm) to clear the shock adjuster.
The wiring could be moved to the rear of the engine and the VR mounted on the rubber isolators to move it outward a little.
Thanks to Mobius at advrider for the pic and info
The choices for replacement are the BMW Regulator or an aftermarket alternative
BMW VR
Part No 61 31 2 346 550 is Used on Models
R13 F650GS, GS Dakar, G650GS, G650GS Sertão, K14 F650CS
K70 F700GS, K71 F800S, F800ST, F800GT, K72 F650GS, F800GS, K73 F800R, K75 F800GS Adv
FET shunt regulators. The FH020 replaced the FH012. They are used to upgrade many Japanese models and have been used with success on both F650 and F650GS models.The higher 50 amp rating is ideal for the 650GS.
They use Furukawa spade connectors and so are not prone to wire breakage where the wiring leaves the regulator like the F650GS regulator.
Be wary of counterfeit product at low prices
Roadstercycle & EasternBeaver supply genuine product,
FET OPEN regulators.
OPEN regulators reduce stator load and temperature by open circuiting the stator rather than shorting to earth.
They use Furukawa spade connectors as per the FH020.
Dimensions are 120 x 120 x 40 mm, 50 C-C mm mounting.
Honda, Polaris and others are using FH775. Polaris Part No.4012941
A 50 amp series pass VR from Cycle Electrics. A series pass VR open circuits the stator to regulate. It reduces the load on the engine and the stator runs cooler. The GS should be a little more responsive with this VR.
In the past series pass VR's were prone to high frequency noise, these seem to have it resolved. Tested on F800GS (same stator as 650GS).
Mechanical Specifications Roadstercycle VR
Roadstercycle now sell the CE650SB & Shindengen SH775/SH847 VRs.
The original VR fitted until around 2008 is marked as SH541G-12
Shindengen VR product web page now only shows example diagtams with no model specifications.