Update #3:

The bike was at the dealer, and he checked with Honda Rep, no similar problems had been reported.

He was planning on tear the bike apart beginning with the front end (Nose) and examining the tach/speedo and working his way backwards. He again felt if I rode until the part failed, it could be diagnosed quickly and easily. I agreed to do this as my friend said this AM he would loan me his meter to carry around to test it when it acted up.

I went to p/up the bike this PM, and blessedly the tech tested the new battery 1 more time as I was preparing to leave. This time the charging was inadequate, 12 range at 3-4k+ rpm. He diagnosed the problem as a Rectifier/Regulator. He could not explain why this did not happen 2 days ago, he has not seen the part fail intermittenly on this bike before.

Anyway, I hate to say it but I am very happy-at least I know the problem and it can be repaired relatively easily.

Part is on order, it should back on the road sometime next week.

 

On the cbr1100XX.org site, the regulator/rectifier is a known problem on the 97/98 Birds. Once the updated to EFI, they also upgraded the Stator and Reg/Rect.

You should also have him check each lead on the Stator. Low voltage is often the sign of a stator problem, which is has also had problems on the older models.

 

Hobicus-thanks for the suggestion. The bike is still in the shop-wtg on the reg/rectifier part. I asked the dealer to check the Stator when they replace the reg/rectifier, and he said he would and that they do so normally. I also asked him to give the battery a top off charge as well since the I bought the battery from them as well.

I'll keep you updated on future developments-once I get her back and hit the road.

 

Update #4:

OK, bike came back fm the shop. I have riden about 200 miles since the new Rect/Regulator was installed, everything works great-no electrical glitches-so I guess problem solved.

Thanks for everyone for their suggestions/help.