Simple question I hope,

The negative terminal of the battery is connected to ground, but where is that ground point? Anyone know?

TIA

 

The frame.

 

thanks, I was hoping for a better description . I am suspecting a loose connection "at the frame" -- but WHERE on the frame?

 

I'm not 100% sure, and I don't have an F4i to stare at to find out. Anywhere there's a bolt holding a wire to the frame.

http://cheapcycleparts.com/model_yea...semblies/13308

Maybe these harness diagrams will help you trace the wires.

 

Actually it goes on the rear bolt of the starter

 

Yyyeeeaaahhhh but the bolt actually threads into the motor. Which is a stressed member of the frame. Wire -> bolt -> engine -> frame. Therefore wire -> frame. Transitive property!

 

THANK YOU!!! That picture is very helpful, Thank you.

This may explain my battery charging / starter problems I've been having over the past few months.

Now, how accessible is the starter with the engine still in the frame? Aside from the tank, any other large obstructions?

 

It's pretty easy.... take the tank off, airbox off, and wiggle your way through the coolant hoses and it's right there

Have you checked the 2 connectors between the stator and R/R and main wiring harness and R/R?? Those can get water in them and cause weird charging problems. I cut my connectors off and hardwired/heatshrunk everything, and never had a prob since

 

I'll give it a shot tomorrow. thanks.

as for the stator/rr... I sucked it up and bought brand new stator AND r/r thinking that it was one or the other... NOPE. with the new parts in, I exhibit identical problems, so, the only thing that didn't change between the new/old stator/rr, is the wiring, and the black plug that the r/r plugs into.

Thanks for the ongoing assistance!

-John

 

I tore the bike apart,

found where the ground wire is connected. It is tightly connected to the rear of the starter. The cable didn't appear to be frayed, so there goes that idea.