What is a motorcycle alternator?
A motorcycle stator is a device that utilizes the existing mechanical motion of the engine and generates an electric current. In order to generate electricity, three things are needed: motion, a magnet, and a coil. The motion comes from the rotational nature of the motor and the magnets and coils are added to fulfill the requirement of generating electricity.

In addition, motorcycles require direct current to power the electrical system. Motorcycle alternators generate AC or alternating current, which requires a rectifier/regulator to complete the system.

Do motorcycles have alternators?
The simple answer to this question is yes; however, there are very few automotive-style external one-piece alternators on motorcycles. Instead, the stator and rectifier/regulator handle the power generation tasks.

What is a motorcycle stator and what does it do on a motorcycle?
Simply put, the stator, in conjunction with a rectifier regulator, achieves the same result as an alternator: generating the DC power needed to run motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, etc.

The stator is a coil of wire mounted inside the motor housing. Magnets on the shaft rotate inside the stator, generating alternating current (AC). This current travels along fairly thick wires through the housing and into a rectifier/regulator that converts it to a DC power source with a constant output.


Stator vs. alternator: what's the difference?
When trying to understand the difference between a stator and an alternator, we must first determine what specifically we are comparing.

Stator vs. automotive-style alternator (one-piece unit)
The stator in a motorcycle is a component of the electrical system that produces alternating current when combined with a rotating magnet. The stator is located inside the motor housing.

An automotive style alternator is a completely separate, externally mounted unit that produces DC electricity. Another difference between an automotive stator and an alternator is the type of magnet usage. Stators use permanent magnets and automotive alternators use electromagnets.

Stator vs Motorcycle Alternator
As mentioned above, the stator is an integral part of a motorcycle charging system. A motorcycle alternator is a collection of components that includes a stator, magnets, and a rectifier/regulator (a device that converts alternating current to direct current and maintains a constant output).