Charging Problem

[Big Jets]

Was out this morning on my R80g/s done about 30 miles ,stopped for a minute turned the ignition back on pushed the starter button only to get the starter clicking and not fireing up the bike ,managed to get it going with a bump noticed no charging light on tickover which it usually does and when I got home the lights on the dash where dim .Looks like its not charging ,where should I direct my attention I understand the charging system is a trouble spot on Airheads.Cheers Big Jets

 

[Big Jets]

Got the battery charged up ,no battery light when I turn on ignition.Got alternator cover off cant see anything obvious any ideas .

 

[John Armstrong]

Had a look at this link: http://www.motobins.co.uk/services.php#The Alternator

It's headed "The Alternator excites" not certain it's applicable for airheads though

 

[Big Jets]

Nice one John im gonna go out and check it right know Cheers

 

[bumpmuncher]

have a look here http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/techindex.htm
the new snowbum site i think. scrol down to find the electical section i have found this artical usefull http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/trbleshootALT.htm
hope these help

 

[Steptoe]

.Got alternator cover off cant see anything obvious any ideas .

That's unusual, there's normally a big red arrow that points to whatever the fault is.

 

[Big Jets]

That's unusual, there's normally a big red arrow that points to whatever the fault is.

There are no broken wires and all the connectors seem fine ,the brushes look ok and it looks like the unit on top (diode pack I think ),looks new .I checked the Bulb on the battery light and its ok traced the wires back to the plug there where no breaks.(John,s suggestion).

 

[Big Jets]

Thanks Bumpmuncher thats good info ,tried the bulb John its ok.

 

[John Armstrong]

Tried starting the engine and seen what the voltage is before starting, just after starting, just above idle and around 4000 rpm?

Could be the battery is on it's way out

 

[Uinneag]

That's unusual, there's normally a big red arrow that points to whatever the fault is.

Good one

 

[Big Jets]

Charged the battery when I got home John and its starting the bike no problem,but the battery light is not lighting when I turn on the ignition neutral and oil are lit .The bike had not been in use for a few weeks and it started no problem this morning .

 

[Big Jets]

Good one

Arse Licker

 

[BillN]

Do a search this has been discussed a few times

but look at this

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157703

 

[Big Jets]

Bill that sounds like my problem ,nice of Steptoe to offer that fellow assistance ,thanks again

 

[DrFarkoff]

HI Jets check the wee blue wire where the looms and battery cable enter/exit the front of the top casing I've had a couple where the wee wire shears off and the light doesn't light up Also check the bottom of the regulator and make sure one of the three wires haven't corroded off

This is Just an Addition to Steppers Rotor idea rather than a replacement theory

 

[BillN]

Bill that sounds like my problem ,nice of Steptoe to offer that fellow assistance ,thanks again

you can test the rotor with a cheap, (less than £10), multimeter.........dead simple......tells you how to do it in Haynes

but you may as well go thru the system and look at the battery, all your connections, diode board, rotor, etc., etc.

Electrical problems on Airheads are the most common

If you need a new rotor.........they are easy to fit ..................but do not forget to buy the "puller bolt" to extract the old rotor.........they are cheap, just a few quid from Motorbins/works etc

Good luck

 

[Big Jets]

I know where your coming from Jaythro ,it was very sudden failure no warning signs ,ill do as you say and check the wireing.And my mates got a meter Bill so ill do as you say .Cheers again Chaps .

 

[BillN]

I know where your coming from Jaythro ,it was very sudden failure no warning signs ,ill do as you say and check the wireing.And my mates got a meter Bill so ill do as you say .Cheers again Chaps .

Big Jets

Sounds like an Open rotor, i.e. a duff rotor, (very common), or worn bushes, (common), but it could be a bad regulator, (less common)........or bad lamp, (rare), bad wiring around lamp, (rare)

There are a few useful hints on the Moto-Bins site

http://www.motobins.co.uk/services.php#K100

They always help as a reminder

 

[Fred Dibnah]

No milage on my clock ! can ya help

Can anyone help me , I have a F650GS 05 plate went to Lumb farm this weekend , When I started my bike on the Saturday morning I noticed that I had no milage just a line of 5 dots ! my trip works but goes back to 0 every time I start it up . Has anybdy got any ideas whats up !!!! Cheers

 

[Big Jets]

Removed rotor and tested with multimeter ,its fecked cheers again chaps