volt regulator

[CougarSlayer]

After three weeks of pulling and pushing finally got the connector off the regulator.  I have  a new one but I am kind of concerned because the connect back to the generator looks like it melted a little.  Should I replace it even though the connector to the generator looks as though some of the plastic melted a little.  Would it be a problem.  I am dropping the bike off tomorrow for a look over just wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts.

Thanks,

[scduc]

 I hate electrical, so I would have to say replace it if possible. You will sleep better.

[BK_856er]

Replace.  It melted because of tiny corrosion/resistance at the electrical contact.  You also want to cut off a little wiring to make sure it's not cooked.  Replaced with a better connector if possible, like a weather sealed metripak, or if you're up to it ditch the connector and solder the wires together (but you then loose the ability to easily disconnect and maybe troubleshoot if it comes to that down the road).  I soldered mine.  Melted connector is a common problem that can lead to other issues including leaving you stranded somewhere.  Crappy Ducati design choice.

BK

[oldndumb]

The connector from the generator to the R/R is a weak point in almost every bike made. I have never understood why the mfgrs use them. The fact that many an R/R has been sold when the only problem was that connector couldn't possibly have anything to do with it?

I always replace them with a weather proof Metri-Pack connector. http://www.easternbeaver.com has proven to be a reliable and responsive source even though he operates out of Japan.

[Howie]

The beaver connectors will make your life easier if you have time to wait.  Otherwise, any good professional auto parts store should be able to help you out.  Cut back until you get to shiny copper.

[suzyj]

Echoing all the above. The stock connector is really bad. Replace it with a Metripack 280 (or even 630) before it becomes a complete mess.

I replaced the rectifier/regulator as well on mine, and used Furukawa connectors straight into the rectifier/regulator.

[oldndumb]

The beaver connectors will make your life easier if you have time to wait.  Otherwise, any good professional auto parts store should be able to help you out.  Cut back until you get to shiny copper.

I've experienced reasonable shipping times from him; maybe a day or two longer than normal.

Agreed that the Metri-Packs/equivalent ought to be available from an auto parts store. Problem is that most auto parts stores no longer have the resources (catalogs) to research parts other than by year, make, and model of car. The closest I have found locally is a NAPA store which lets me look through their hard catalogs for project parts. Those catalogs will have various connectors, but the selection is limited, and never a connector manufacturer's entire line. I have researched connectors on manufacturer web sites and found what I've needed, and taken the number to the parts stores only to be told they cannot order it since they do not warehouse it. 

So, the franchise auto parts store business plan causes me to order connectors online.