Charging System

[Melena]

Well, it's taken me awhile what with life being as busy as it is and having to learn it all from the ground up, but I finally figured out the problem of my bike not charging.   It's the alternator rotor gone bad.  And now I find out that's a pretty common problem.  

I've got the stator off and I think the brushes are okay, but I might as well get new ones in there as they are not that expensive.  I have a multimeter and I tested the resistance between the 2 slip rings.  Nothing.  Hmmmm, is my meter working?  Okay, tried my friends ohm meter that he used when working for the phone company.  Nothing.  Is it not working too?  I don't think so.  So, I tested another part and the ohms came out to exactly what it was supposed to be.  Tried the slip rings again ---------- nothing.  Hey!  You think this  rotor is not working correctly?    Uhyup!  

I tested the diode board first because it was easy to get out.  The multimeter didn't seem to work on it, but the other professional meter did and was pretty clear that the diode board seems to be okay.  I'm still not sure about it though.  That will be an easy fix later.  I've got other things to do now.

Unplugged the voltage regulator to check the wiring and the connection, and there was a spider web in the connection.  What the........??   How did that get there?  Haven't had a chance to check it though as I haven't had the battery hooked back up yet.  But, the upgrade isn't that expensive and might be well worth getting anyway.  

Well, I've learned a lot by testing one piece at a time and reading everything a couple of times so I make sure I understand.  

I've checked out Motorrad Elektrik.  They seem to have the best parts for the best price.  I'm sure I've read here that others have gotten their charging system parts from them.  What is the consensus about their service and price?   Anyone have any other ideas?

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Sorry, Melena, no constructive advice from me.  I have been very fortunate in this area.

I can tell you, if you want to test your multimeter when it is measuring resistance, just touch the two probes to each other.
If it is a digital meter, the numbers will jump around and should come to rest at 0.0.
If it is an analog meter, the pointer should just go directly to zero (ohms) and stay there until you release the probe contacts.

The meter needs to have a good battery inside for resistance measurement to work correctly.

[suecanada]

Melena, I would put my faith in all and everything that Rick Jones from Motorrad Electrik sells or suggests. I am very close to ordering the 400 watt upgrade for my LRB who is a 1983 model LS.
I admire your prowess with the Volt ohm meter. I have a mental block when it comes to using them but I can learn. If you do order from Rick Jones, order his Troubleshooting Airhead Electrics manual..it's great!

Are you going to be around home sometime between mid-July and Mid-August??? LOL! I may be riding close to your territory after the MOA is over and Top of the Rockies is done.

[Bob_Roller]

Melena,

What was the charging system doing ?  

I'd go out on a limb and say you had no charging from the alternator.

If you have an 'open' circuit, or infinite resistance, the rotor is bad.

You can't go wrong with doing business with Rick Jones, owner of Motorrad Elektrik.

His prices are usually lower than anyone else, and if by some chance the product the he sold you is bad, he will do everything in his power to make it right again !!

I have not seen a copy of his charging system guide, but if you are not real familiar with electrical systems, it can only help you.

I just went through his website last week, and saw a new item, it is a resistor that will prevent a charging system failure if the charge light in the tachometer burns out.

Only about $3 and it has an installation guide with the resistor.

Beats changing a light bulb in the dark on the side of the road, in a rainstorm !!

You're finding a spider web in an electrical connector, is a good reason to take apart the electrical connectors every once in a while, and clean them up if needed.

[Melena]

Melena, I would put my faith in all and everything that Rick Jones from Motorrad Electrik sells or suggests. I am very close to ordering the 400 watt upgrade for my LRB who is a 1983 model LS.
I admire your prowess with the Volt ohm meter. I have a mental block when it comes to using them but I can learn. If you do order from Rick Jones, order his ..it's great!

Are you going to be around home sometime between mid-July and Mid-August??? LOL! I may be riding close to your territory after the MOA is over and Top of the Rockies is done.

Hey Sue!  My friend got that manual.  It's great.  Couldn't have done without it.  Simple and straight forward.  The ohm meter part is pretty easy.  Can't really hurt anything as it's only used when the battery ground is taken off.  Just looking for resistance.

I'm going to be home alot.  If you are going to be anywhere in the area at all, please let me know.  I'll take time to meet you somewhere!!!  What fun!  

What was the charging system doing ?

Well, basically nothing.    I haven't told my story yet.  So here it is.  When I was coming back from the Autumn Beemer Bash in Quincy last September, the bike just quit.  Nothing.  Right in the middle of the road.  Pulled over and checked a few things.   But I think I forgot to check the Charge light.      Live and learn.  Did get it restarted, and to the gas station a few yards down the road.  She started right up.  Got about 5 miles down the road, the bike just quit again.  Same thing.  No throttle, no nothing.  Just dead.      Thought it was the battery.  Well, in a way it was.  Anyway, had to have it towed.  Luckily I have a towing service on my insurance.  Was able to get it to A&S Cycles near Sacramento.  They weren't open by the time we got there, so got a motel and got a battery the next morning.  The service dept. wasn't open on Monday, so we had to just go by our feelings as to what it was.  Started right up with  a new battery.  So, got loaded up and outa there.  Headed down the freeway and got off in Davis.  Stopped for a bit to get our bearings, and when I went to start it up, there was nothing again.  Well, a click.  Darn.  Okay, so I get another tow.  Luckily home was within my mileage limits.  So I got 2 tows in 2 days with my insurance.  Man am I ever glad I had that  tow insurance on there.

Of course, I wanted to check it out and learn about the electrical myself and see if I could think it through.  It's been a good learning experience.  Took too long, but that's because everything else got in the way, like the weather, the Holidays, the flu - you know, life.  But I have a pretty good understanding how this works now and I think I could figure it out in a few hours now.  At least as long as I have the   "Troubleshooting Airhead Electrics" manual by my side.  

I did call and talked to Rick today.  I orderd a few items from him.  He was very helpful.  I'd like to get the 400 watt upgrade, but I can't afford it right now.  So I ordered a new rotor and the voltage regulator upgrade.  Might as well while I'm at it.  Plus I will go through all the electrical connections and clean them up.  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Too bad you waited so long to check it out!  It definitely sounds like it wasn't charging.  
The best way to deal with that on the road, is to unplug your headlight.
This is why I make sure my parking light is working at all times.  At least in the daylight I would be legal and you can get MUCH further down the road without the headlight.

Some folks just buy a cheap car battery and some long cables and bungee it on the seat for the trip home.

If nothing else, you can stop and recharge at every gas stop!