Thanks to all who put that great charging guide together!

[aldo5468]

Voltmeter recently started showing that my new battery wasn't charging fully and actually lost voltage slowly over 30-40 mile ride. The charging guide led me through a logical, step-by-step diagnosis that narrowed in on the rotor. It ohm'd out in the low-to-mid 2's on my digital multi-range meter on the 200 ohm scale. Installed new Racetech rotor tonight, started her up and all looks good - the voltmeter needle climbs toward 14 as it should. I didn't want to run it long enough in the garage to warm it up enough to buzz up to 3500 rpm and too late tonight for a test drive, so tomorrow will tell the tale. The charging guide was really helpful - I couldn't have found the issue myself without it, so thanks to all who wrote and illustrated it!

 

[blue900]

Same here, had no charge and loosing volts fast with the key on. Without the guide the puzzle may have been imposable to solve. I was glad I had a rotor puller on hand and a parts bike. Back on the road sunday.
Many thanks to everyone

 

[ANLAF]

I have solved my charging problem over the months, but have another engine to work on. I missed the guide - can anyone point me to it?

Anlaf

 

[Grinder]

Go to the top of the page in the orange tech section under electrical.

 

[nj1639]

Voltmeter recently started showing that my new battery wasn't charging fully and actually lost voltage slowly over 30-40 mile ride.

It's soooo nice to have that early warning system! Voltmeters should be a 'must have' in the top 10 priority list...........

 

[aldo5468]

About 10 years ago I had a stock '81 XS650, bought a manual but really didn't know anything about it. It stopped dead on me about 50 miles from home on a charity ride - embarrassing, to say the least. Put in a new battery & it started up OK but wouldn't charge. Now I know that the TCI just stopped firing when the battery voltage got too low. After finding this forum and learning more about the whole electrical system, getting a voltmeter seemed like a good "early warning" thing to have.