Mother's bike won't start again....

[JBubble]

What'd he do to the jeep now?

Its been getting rebuilt for the past couple months. I couldn't begin to name what all is being changed on it cause I wasn't paying any attention but they're really beefing it up apparently. Mother says its gonna be 'badass'. In the meantime, he's driving the Audi.

[NAKID]

So does this mean that you won't be standing around waiting for him to get out of a ditch why frying the clutch again?

[JBubble]

So does this mean that you won't be standing around waiting for him to get out of a ditch why frying the clutch again?

One can only hope. 


We'll continue with the diagnosis of his bike soon. Not much time between working and sleeping for the next couple days.

[GAAN]

48hrs later

battery still holding at 13.1

taking it for a ride later tonight

<later>

Engine fired right up initially and at destination

after ride

battery at 13v

4500rpm 13.2v

soooo, any ideas nick?

[Ddan]

48hrs later

battery still holding at 13.1

taking it for a ride later tonight

<later>

Engine fired right up initially and at destination

after ride

battery at 13v

4500rpm 13.2v

soooo, any ideas nick?

The battery will probably read 12.4 or so after a few hours, 13.2 @ 4500 might be low.  You checked the plug connection for the regulator?  Is it hot when the bike is running?

[ducpainter]

13.2 is low IMO..

[bigiain]

You checked the plug connection for the regulator?  Is it hot when the bike is running?

Certain models of Honda (VFRs and VTR1000s from the late '90's early '00s) had common regulator/rectifier problems that often stemmed from bad earthing of the reg/rec - it might be worth checking it's not corroded where it bolts to the frame...

big

[GAAN]

The battery will probably read 12.4 or so after a few hours, 13.2 @ 4500 might be low.  You checked the plug connection for the regulator?  Is it hot when the bike is running?

It is uncomfortble to leave your hand on but i wouldn't call it hot

13.2 is low IMO..

How low?

like broken low?

Certain models of Honda (VFRs and VTR1000s from the late '90's early '00s) had common regulator/rectifier problems that often stemmed from bad earthing of the reg/rec - it might be worth checking it's not corroded where it bolts to the frame...

big

I think it might be worth it to just pull it and find a new one

anyone have a source for one not from Ducati?

I haven't looked yet but I imagine they are spendy from Italy

[Speeddog]

The plastic plug on the regulator will start turning brown if it's getting too hot.
Same for the wires.

The regulator itself will get hot to the touch when the bike has been running for a bit.
Not OW! F*CK! THAT'S HOT!, but definitely too hot to keep your hand on.

13.2 is a bit lower than I'd like to see.

How long were you riding last night?

[Duck-Stew]

On my single-phase '95 M900, the good regulator was running and at higher rpm (3-4K) it was warm to the touch but you could leave your hand on it indefinitely.  If yours is too hot to keep your hand on it, you may have funky-ness going on inside the regulator.  95% of the time on the 3-phase systems, all charging issues are the regulator.  Stators are usually like a light-switch.  (either ON or OFF)

Used regulators (since 95% of the time they're good, I've had no problem using a used regulator) sell for about $50.

[GAAN]

The plastic plug on the regulator will start turning brown if it's getting too hot.
Same for the wires.

The regulator itself will get hot to the touch when the bike has been running for a bit.
Not OW! F*CK! THAT'S HOT!, but definitely too hot to keep your hand on.

13.2 is a bit lower than I'd like to see.

How long were you riding last night?

15 minutes

The plug is nice and white and the wires are not discolored

[scott_araujo]

If it hasn't been menioned already, check for corrosion on the connectory from the regulator.  It's a common source of problems.  Just undo the connector and see if it looks dirty.

Scott

[Major Slow]

Certain models of Honda (VFRs and VTR1000s from the late '90's early '00s) had common regulator/rectifier problems that often stemmed from bad earthing of the reg/rec - it might be worth checking it's not corroded where it bolts to the frame...

big

I love the way you guys say ground.

[Howie]

Your (slightly) low charging rate can still be from the connections, particularly if you are measuring at the battery.  By the time the stator connection turns brown you usually have major resistance and a pretty big voltage drop.  Clean, tighten and pack that connection with dielectric grease.  At the least, this is good preventative maintenance.  While you are at it, also clean the battery connections regulator ground and the engine ground.  Now test again.  If you are putting out 13.5V or better, problem solved.  Also, since your charging rate is close you may want to compare your meter with a known good meter.

If you need a regulator, you can buy a good aftermarket here:
http://www.electrosport.com  or http://www.ca-cycleworks.com

You may also want to read through this:
http://www.electrosport.com/technical-resources/library/diagnosis/fault-finding-guide.php
 

[GAAN]

Cool

thanks for the links Howie

I appreciate it