Based on recent experience it seems there are actually 3 states of operation on a voltage regulator
1) working fine, all is well
2) toasted
3) limping along, always ready to leave you stranded. Blowing the occasional fuse and never charging the battery correctly. Opportunities to be stranded are just around the corner.
Turns out I had state # 3 for about 9 months. I replaced a perfectly fine battery by assuming that since the system was charging (at times), the battery must just not be holding the charge. A nice $80 mistake. Got stranded at midnight in San Francisco with a dead, dead battery. Luckily triple A doesn't know a Ducati is not a car and sent out a truck to jump me. Bumping a dead Elefant on level ground is a no go (I tried 4 times).
So, now DDL offers a replacement voltage regulator.
I decided to offer the Electrex over a Ducati replacement unit for these reasons
1) about $50 US cheaper than the current Ducati unit
2) more robust design with larger heat sink area
3) one year warranty vs. no (official) warranty from Ducati. (many dealers will try and get you some type of satisfaction if your new Duc unit goes south soon after purchase but all they can do is try, officially there is no warranty)
4) retains the charge warning light and charges at different rates depending on the state of charge of the battery
As shown in the photo above, I supply a longer, heavier gauge lead to reach back to the battery on the E900, some 3M connectors/shrink tubing and longer bolts to mate to the stock regulator location. The stock Electrex lead comes sized for the standard Ducati bikes where the battery is under the tank.
Takes about 90 minutes to install from tank off to back on. You will notice that all the idiot lights/headlights get a bit brighter with a new regulator. Riding around town does not have to mean a depleted battery when you get home.
About a 90 minute install.
If your electrical system has been having any kind of charging issues you are probably enjoying state number 3 above. Click here to view/download the Electrex troubleshooting guide.