How are the voltage regulators/rectifiers these days?

[Charlie98]

I've been reading some older posts about failing regulator/rectifiers and I'm wondering if I need to be proactive and replace mine.  The '13 796 RR is out front in the breeze (not under the seat like some of the problematic ones...) but in Texas summers, sometimes that breeze can be 100+ degrees by itself.

Is it still an issue on the newer bikes, or am I suffering from noob worry?

[Duck-Stew]

Look at the yellow wires coming out of the reg/rect.  If they're not yellow anymore (they turn brown), then start to worry.  Don't worry prior to that point.

[Howie]

Also pack that connection with dielectric grease.  My old bike, 13 years old, 75K miles when sold, still has the original regulator.  first generation, so it is in the air stream.

[ducej]

Like DuckStew said: Wiring good + charging good = rectifier good.
I drive around with the original (stock) rectifier on my S2R 800, under the seat with hardly airflow, of which also a couple of years in Malaysia, where the temperatures are always 100F+. That said, a modern one with better heat control and charging capacity never hurts...