I have a 1987 Honda Aspencade- the problem is the electrical connection between the stator and the rectifier - which is located on the left side next to the battery- has overheated and melted. I cut the connector off and put individual connectors on each wire and put it back together. It over heated again. The bike has a new stator put in a couple years ago, before I bought it. I am thinking maybe it is a rectifer problem., i bought a new rectifer, - have not installed it yet. Is there a reliable test to check this rectifer before I install it ? Also, the plug in has 3 yellow wires coming the rectifer, but wires coming from the stator are color coded, does it matter how they get plugged together ?

The pick-up module located on the stator is on its way out. That is normally the symptoms right before they stop working.

possibly the rectifier faulty or stator coil

Inside the front engine cover

Uf, first check connector for three wires coming from top left side engine cover. Connector can get bad and no electric is passing through. Start the bike and measure between + and - on battery. If you have over 13,5V/DC your fine. If you have a jumping DC (from 16- 19V/Dc) rectifier is bad, Stop engine, Disconnect the three stator wires connector and Measure between the three yellow wires on Ohms if they are connected, if yes, Stator is o.k.
Usually Stator is last one to go bad.

Locate the three wires (usually yellow) that come from the stator to the regulator/rectifier. They should be on a connector near the battery. Disconnect the wires and check the resistance of the stator leads between each other (3 checks) and from each lead to ground. There should be approximately equal resistance from lead to lead and no continuity to ground. Also check for AC voltage between each lead with the engine running. These readings should be approximately equal and should increase when throttle is applied to about 60-90ACV.
If the stator resistance and output check out, your regulator/rectifier is bad.
Unfortunately stator failure is common on these models and the engine must be removed for replacement.
Another common problem is that the connector itself will corrode/melt. Honda sells a replacement lead kit that you can install, or you can just hardwire the stator to the reg/rect.

Well, best to get an Owner's manual, next best, take it to a motorcycle shop if you do not have the patient or skill. If you are changing the tire, you may need to balance the wheel (rim) again which require a skilled expertise.

Best bet is to take the rectifier back to where you brought it with the old one and ask if they are compatable .connecting up the wrong wires could damage the new unit .

sounds like over voltage and blown fuses. do not just replace fuses check stator wires on left side and at voltage reg. on left inside of foux tank.melted wires and connecters are common problems.volt reg cost around 225 bucks for the 85 1200

i dosent matter just connect the yellow wires to the other yellow wires it will work fine

I have goldwings since 1980. They are very reliable. First thing I would change is the timing belt. (If it fails, bent valves...) As far as the stator, the normal fix for these 4 cylinder early ones (if they are still working) is to cut the 3 wire plug in between the stator & wiring harness & solder the leads together. Dirt, water, corrosion in this connection makes the stator fail. Make sure your carbs are clean and final drive & ft bearings are re-greased. Next problem that occurs that you can check for is oil seal in front forks. You can remove them & put new seals in by yourself if you have the tools. You should have lots more trouble free mileage if bike has been properly maintained. Rick