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rj, the extra electrons are converted to heat by the regulator/rectifier. That's why it is best to have the R/R in a spot where it gets good air flow. You are not hurting anything by running the heated gear. I have a volt meter wired into my RX3 and when I crank up my heated liner there is only the slightest dip in voltage, maybe .01V. I doubt there is any significant change in fuel mileage either. Most electrical generation problems are heat related. If the alternator or R/R get hot you get higher resistance and melted wires. That might be the problem with your friend's BMW. As I recall, Triumph had a similar problem with the 800s.
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