Ok guys i think i have a gremlin somewhere in the charging system and its driving me absolutely insane. . Ok so here it goes:

Problem: Motorcycle dies in stop and go traffic or when the fan comes on. Would run fine for a few weeks then all of a sudden the battery is flatter than Gumby. This problem started last summer but after i put a new R/R on it (the finned one) it ran like a dream. Since that R/R was replaced I figured that it is not the problem (at least i don't think it is). Last week i bought a new Gel Battery and the bike ran like a champ since i thought maybe the battery needed replacing because it was the one i got with the bike and it was a cheap walmart crap battery. Then after about 4 days riding on the new battery the bike stuttered and cut off in traffic and i couldn't even push start it. After i charged the battery again it seemed fins.

So from there i figured that i should test the components with my dad's multimeter. Following the manual the stator reads.3Amps or so on each coil. Its also putting out 21 or so volts at idle and about 65 volts and around 5000 rpm on all coils. I figured this was right because my gauges are from an f4i and my tach may not be 100% accurate. The R/R reads resistance across all pins so im not sure what the problem is. It seems as if everything is fine. The only other thing that I have determined is messing with my bike is if my HI beem on my HID's are on then the voltage on the battery drops a lot and the bike stutters a little. Also once my fan cuts on the bike stutters.

The decisions i was considering were to either replace the R/R with an R/R with the MOSFET chip since i read that they are a little better and can eliminate stutter or run bigger ground wires and other wires to the R/R from the stator. Im not sure. Really i just need any ideas or any suggestions on to what you guys think the problem is. Im at a loss and i have a meeting in another city and a ride with my MC. Thanks in advance.

If you dont understand my post completely feel free to ask and ill clarify. Im watching basketball and typing so my sentances might be a little weird or may not flow together well.

 

Check out these for an overview...

Charging System Diagnostics - Rectifier/Regulator Upgrade - Triumph Forum: Triumph Rat Motorcycle Forums

Technical Resources - Resources for Electrical Systems on Motorcycles and ATVs - ElectroSport

Hope these help, Ern

 

The bike isn't putting out enough current at stop/go speeds. Maybe you need to check the voltage going into the battery at +3000Revs - should be +-13.5V. If not I'd look at the HID kit and check what the voltage drop is when you switch on the lights at idle. I'd think that could be a problem, bur as Ern says - read the diagnostics in his post.
How did you check the stator - using a megger ? If not, your readings may be off.
I had a similar problem, found that the stator had burned wires on one of the coils - impossible to see even when stripped. Replaced it (after replacing the battery and reg/rec) and it solved the problem but you do need the correct testing kit for the stator.....

 

Yea I have a pretty good meter. My dad does electrical work so I used his 150 dollar one. I followed the flow chart that ern linked me to and turns out its the stator. I guess im gonna order one tomorrow. Thanks guys. That's why I love this site. One big happy family lol.

 

Just a small update. I ended up getting another stator but the problem continued. So i ordered a R/R for a 08 cbr1000rr its the MOSFET one it says FH014AAand it runs better than ever now. Everyone should switch to the MOSFET rectifiers it definitely eliminates the stutter at take off and it seems like my bike is brand new. I put 300 miles on it yesterday with my riding group and the bike didnt even hiccup.

 

No reason the upgraded R/R should have died...especially w/a new stator. Def keep an eye on other components that draw current. Glad its running well for you right now tho.

 

Definitely will do. Especially since i am the walking example of Murphy's Law.