For some reason I can no longer post in my other thread about "arrgh don't you hate it when your bike is down?" because I keep getting error messages.

So I will just post a new thread:


I was finally able to start my bike today, it fired right up!

Apparently my new battery, which was nearly dead after I went for a ride last week, recharged itself.

Everything seemed fine UNTIL I checked how the battery was being charged with the engine running...using a voltmeter.

The bike battery is NOT being charged by the engine....unless I rev the bike to 4,000 rpm!

Is this normal?

Thanks!

 

i don't think so.

 

Hey MT Wallet

I found that clicking on reply and in the new window that pops up, type your message and then press "preview", your message will show correctly and then type/paste in your next line. Plus im using Safari browser.

According to your problem, is this one different from the PM you sent me?

 

Ron and Duke that is not good news

Thanks for the info Duke about how to reply.

It is the same issue I wrote to you about in the pm.

 

Hey MT Wallet

Cool. Yeah Ron is right, its not normal. There should be some charge below 4000rpm.

 

No, there is no charge below 4k RPM...

 

Hmmm, that's strange. Then in theory your bike should do the same thing as MT Wallet? Im not bashing your advice SpiritRR, im just saying that it would be strange if there is no charge at all below 4000 rpm cuz then every battery/bike would die if the bike was idled long enough.

I have heard that a few times but when I checked it out with the voltmeter there is a charge at about 13v on my bike at idle, and a top voltage of 14.2v at 4500rpm and upwards. That was checked after a new rectifier was installed and my stator was checked my the mechanic and he said it was perfect.

i dont know if USA spec bikes are a bit different to S.A. bikes, it could be...

 

I'm sure you are right. Supposedly, the regulator "maintains constant voltage to the battery and other electrical loads" no matter what the engine speed is, but for the alternator to send a charge current to the battery requires 4k RPM. I have had two new batteries die as a result of idle-only usage. But I am no electrician. I have to go off of what the manuals say.

Just keeping fingers crossed that I don't get a charging gremlin. Pretty notorious on the beloved 900RR.

 

Hi SpiritRR

I checked the manual now and they only talk about the charging at 5000rpm. Hmmm, I wonder why the don't mention idle charge as well?
They say that the regulated voltage under load (high beams on) should be around 13v and 15v. Guess I will have to scratch around more to find out if there is documented info on the charge voltage at idle.

FYI, my idle was at +-1200rpm when I took my reading.

 

I had checked mine previously and its exactly the same with Duke; 13v idling and nearly 14v when revving. But Spirit is right; the reading during idling in not showing the battery is charging; its the regulated voltage and will decrease gradually.

I figured there could be other issue here MT, in that the case your battery and rectifier is still in good condition I suppose.

And Spirit, get yourself and run her, not just idling till 2 batteries out.