Died on the way home!

jjmcjames · 08-13-2007, 10:33 AM

Riding down the road after an 11 hour shift...long night to be sure. Bike fired right up with no problems. When I get about 4 miles from home I notice my speedo and tach are not working-still running OK. I decide (thankfully) to turn off into the parking lot of a convnience store. When I stopped to wait for traffic and kicked it into neutral it died and would not restart. Pushed it across the road. Got back a little later and checked the fuses-all OK. Checked the battery, which was only about a week old (Wal Mart) and it read about 9 volts. Jumped it off from the car (not running) and it came right up. Turned it off and it would not restart. Thankfully I was only about one mile from the dealer so I bought a new battery and installed it and got it home with no problems. My question is...do I have another problem besides the battery, or did I just get a dud from Wally World? I followed the instructions as far as charging the new one and had no problems until this morning. After a good day's sleep I will start troubleshooting. Any help will be appreciated.

Taetor · 08-13-2007, 10:34 AM

check that good old regulator, sounds like a very likely cause of your troubles.

edit: in case you don't know what to look for. The R/R is under the rear cowling on the left side. If it's bad the easiest way to know is that it will show obvious signs of overheating, melted wiring plug, gooey crud oozing out of it, stuff like that.

jjmcjames · 08-13-2007, 10:43 AM

That will be the first thing to check...I remember seeing a thread about melted rectifiers. The dealer wanted me to bring it back and check the charging system-I will use my Haynes manual and check it myself. If anyone can give some help/hints that would be great.

redxxrdr · 08-13-2007, 10:55 AM

Don't assume that a NEW battery is charged. Most motorcycle charging systems can't bring up a low battery. Charge your new battery on a low amp charger before doing testing.
My 01 will put out 14-14.5 volts @ 3000 rpm. This is measured across the battery.
Attached is a link that seems pretty good for troubleshooting.

Diagnostic Guide for Motorcycle Charging Systems - Public Discussion Forums

jjmcjames · 08-13-2007, 11:28 AM

I printed that out and am going to charge the battery...going to bed-thanks for the input.

jjmcjames · 08-13-2007, 9:06 PM

After sleep I got up and started checking according to the Haynes manual. All wiring checks good. However, at 5000 rpm I am only outputting 12.8 volts. I removed the rectifier and found what appears to be a small hole in the front of the unit and what looks like solder coming out of it. Also this unit has no cooling fins like the pictures I have seen. Is this a good indication that the unit is bad? The new battery charged all day and had 13.2 volts when I took it of the charger. Any info will be appreciated.

Taetor · 08-13-2007, 9:10 PM

I'll vote a pretty confident yes, it's bad. time for a new one. The one with fins is much better anyways, will last you much longer.

X1rider · 08-13-2007, 9:12 PM

Rectifiers for the early models are (quite small) and are on the left side of the sub frame. Go to www.worldofpowersports.com and look at the harness views for your year bike.

redxxrdr · 08-13-2007, 9:51 PM

I have been lucky so far. Even have the OEM battery.
Make sure your stator output is correct and balanced. No burned connections going to the R/R.
Many people seem to like the R1 regulator. Cheaper and strong.
Attached link for a adapter cable. I haven't seen or used one, but it looks neat and reasonably priced.
From what I have read, the later XX and R1 rectifiers require slight modifications to the mounting hardware.
'01 R1 R/R Connectors and Pins are here! - Public Discussion Forums

jjmcjames · 08-14-2007, 12:10 AM

The local dealer wants 210.00 for a new unit-any other suggestions?

Taetor · 08-14-2007, 8:30 AM

I haven't owned one of these, but plan to order one soon as a backup. Parts Unlimited has them for closer to $100. You could probably do a search with the model number for your bike (2112-0066) and find it other places too.
Parts Unlimited | Street Catalog

John01XX · 08-14-2007, 9:16 AM

Brand New OEM Honda Part# 31600-MAT-D51 = $99.63 + $5.00 shipping from Honda Directline. Ohio, Florida, Honda, Parts, Accessories, dealer, Honda Direct LIne

I personally have two aftermarket R/R's imported from Italy brought in as heavy duty upgrade units for the Bird that are plug and play. Expensive but nice units with large heatsink fins for better cooling. $165.00 delivered.

AussieOnline · 08-14-2007, 9:48 AM

Mate....I live in Knoxville, TN. I just changed my RR with one from a 01 GSXR.. cost me nothing. all you really need is a RR with three input wires from the stator, an active and a natural.. and a little creative wiring.

jjmcjames · 08-14-2007, 10:56 AM

Thanks for the info...where did you get the one of off the GSXR for free?

r2t2 · 08-14-2007, 5:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjmcjames

Thanks for the info...where did you get the one of off the GSXR for free?

Or you can use a Yamaha R/R (4JH-81960-01) and have bartonmd from the .ORG site build you a nice pigtail.

jjmcjames · 08-14-2007, 8:54 PM

I found one, a new aftermarket unit with cooling fins from an outfit in Chattanooga for 75.00...should be here Thursday-I hope. Thanks for everyone's input. I think I will do the pigtail route also as a back-up.

jjmcjames · 08-18-2007, 1:16 AM

Just an update-got my new rectifier today and installed it-runs perfect and the voltages check out properly-thanks to everyone for their input.

Taetor · 08-18-2007, 10:48 AM

very cool, glad it worked out and she's up and running well again.