What is that square aluminum thing back there?

[controlu]

It's about 4" square, aluminum color, fined for air cooling, has red wires going to it from the battery, is located to the rear of the battery and back behind the front edge of the left rear wheel well. It looks like there might be one loose bolt holding it on and the lower-rear corner of it is up against the rear shock spring. It's in such an awkward place to try to get a photo of it and, as I see it, the only way to get to it is to pull the whole back fiberglass shell off.

 

[cavie]

It's about 4" square, aluminum color, fined for air cooling, has red wires going to it from the battery, is located to the rear of the battery and back behind the front edge of the left rear wheel well. It looks like there might be one loose bolt holding it on and the lower-rear corner of it is up against the rear shock spring. It's in such an awkward place to try to get a photo of it and, as I see it, the only way to get to it is to pull the whole back fiberglass shell off.

Sounds like a voltage regulator to me. Should be accessible without removing the body.

 

[controlu]

Photo

I agree it looks like a voltage regulator but I can't find "voltage regulator" anywhere on the Babbit's parts or in the GL1800 service manual. Does Honda have it's own language for such things? However, regardless what it is, how do you get to it to fasten it down?

Looks like photos are not posting.

 

[Sidecarbill]

I believe the voltage regulator is built into the alternator on a gl1800. Similar to a car.

 

[controlu]

You're right, and trying to post photo but can't.

I believe the voltage regulator is built into the alternator on a gl1800. Similar to a car.

I believe I saw that in the repair manual this morning.

 

[controlu]

Answer

From another site: It's the reverse resistor.