650Rider, xs650 hosted by XS650.com

What Happened to 650rider.com?

650 Rider went offline for about a month at the beginning of 2010. In order to save the technical information that was here, XS650.com acquired the site and brought it back online as a read-only archive. If you were a member of 650 Rider, you will need to re-register at XS650.com

Search 650Rider.com and XS650.com using Google!

        650Rider Menu
 Community  Information


xs650 > > Motorcycle Systems > > Electrical > > Battery Charging Issue


Battery Charging Issue
    Forum Index -> Electrical
Author Message
cretin75xs650
Full Member
Full Member


Joined: Dec 24, 2008
Posts: 99

PostPosted: June 15, 2009, 5:38 am    Post subject: Battery Charging Issue

I purchased a 1981 XS650 Special in January and cleaned her up and got her on the road in April. Yesterday I took her out for a 60 mile run and when I got back, I turned her off to open the garage and when I tried to start her, she won't. Before I got her on the road I installed a new battery, I installed a battery tender led, so I could keep it fully charged when not in use, installed a new fuse box (glass fuse type) and I had a technician check the charging system, which I was told was working fine. What could be draining the battery during a ride? The motorcycle is stock and I do not have turn signals installed at this time. Any help would be appreciated...

Here is a recent photo of my bike, sorry for the quality.
Back to top
650skull
Support Staff
Support Staff


Joined: Jul 19, 2007
Posts: 1186

PostPosted: June 15, 2009, 7:42 am    Post subject: Re: Battery Charging Issue

Charge your battery to full then try to start again, if it starts then your charging system is probably faulty...........If it wont start then check to see if you have spark at the plugs. Make sure you have the plug grounded when testing for spark, if you don't then you will damage the electronic ignition.............. Check your condensers and coils..............Then go into the electrical system and check the switches or connections for broken wires or a short.................. Do you have a workshop manual, if not it is important you have one, ebay or mikes xs.........
Back to top
Photo Gallery
cretin75xs650
Full Member
Full Member


Joined: Dec 24, 2008
Posts: 99

PostPosted: June 15, 2009, 8:36 am    Post subject: Re: Battery Charging Issue

I charged my battery overnite and she starts. I will check the charging system when I get to the shop. If it is the charging system, I guess you would have to determine if its the regulator or stator, right? Or are there other components to check? I do have a manual that came with the bike. Thanks for your help...
Back to top
Retiredgentleman
650Rider Supporter
650Rider Supporter


Joined: Mar 03, 2007
Posts: 2258
Location: Calgary, Alberta 1978 XS650 SE

PostPosted: June 15, 2009, 10:41 am    Post subject: Re: Battery Charging Issue

You should measure the battery voltage at 1200 RPM and at 3000 RPM and tell us what you get.
Back to top
Photo Gallery
dpmphoto
Full Member
Full Member


Joined: Apr 18, 2007
Posts: 485
Location: syracuse NY

PostPosted: June 15, 2009, 3:28 pm    Post subject: Re: Battery Charging Issue

obviously its the charging system,I would save time and go right to the rotor first,if that's ok then check stator, reg/rect.
Back to top
roar
Full Member
Full Member


Joined: Sep 15, 2008
Posts: 54

PostPosted: June 15, 2009, 4:55 pm    Post subject: Re: Battery Charging Issue

Rectifier got me, if the battery voltage jumps up to around 15v when you throttle it, that would be the first place I'd look.

Roar
Back to top
xsleo
Full Member
Full Member


Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Posts: 1528
Location: Earlville NY

PostPosted: June 18, 2009, 3:08 am    Post subject: Re: Battery Charging Issue

I would check the length of the brushes first. A short brush won't make good contact with the slip ring. The book calls for 1/4 inch long minimun. 3/8 inch is about as short as you should go. Replacing the brushes is the cheapest thing to replace.
_________________
"You live more in five minutes on a bike than most people do in there whole life"

'75 XS650B with a 79 dual disc front end, rear disk brake, Chrysler reg, Radio Shack rect, LED tail/ brake and turn signals.
Back to top
Photo Gallery
weekendrider
Support Staff
Support Staff


Joined: Apr 20, 2007
Posts: 1284
Location: SW MO 2x83SK 79F 78E

PostPosted: June 18, 2009, 7:03 am    Post subject: Re: Battery Charging Issue

+1

xsleo wrote:
I would check the length of the brushes first. A short brush won't make good contact with the slip ring. The book calls for 1/4 inch long minimun. 3/8 inch is about as short as you should go. Replacing the brushes is the cheapest thing to replace.

_________________
geocached @ N 37° 26.917', W 093 11.724, elev. 1148'
Back to top
cretin75xs650
Full Member
Full Member


Joined: Dec 24, 2008
Posts: 99

PostPosted: June 27, 2009, 5:45 am    Post subject: Re: Battery Charging Issue

I had a chance to check the charging system and found that the stator is not working. I was hoping for an easier fix. I want to thank all for your input, this site is the best. Hope to see you on the road...
Back to top
 
    Forum Index -> Electrical All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1


 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum


   


Check out the new Honda CB750 Forum at CB750.com! A site dedicated to the great Honda SOHC and DOHC CB750.

Check out the new Yamaha XS400 Forum at XS400.com!

Yamaha xs650

xs650, xs, 650, forum, links, chopper, custom, yamaha, parts, forum, info, information, bb, bulletin board, XS650
650Rider, Free Unrestricted xs650 forum, Personal photo albums, Post images in Forum, News columns, Daily blog, Links, Event calendar, Information for Yamaha XS650



Interactive software released under GNU GPL, Code Credits, Privacy Policy