SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550
Charging
Fairview:
Hi, I have a CB550/4 k1 which is in unrestored condition but running nicely. I've ironed out a few problems over the summer including an irritating oil leak. The trouble I have now is a lack of charge, it's been like this since I had it but is going to be an issue with the shorter days now as I need the lights.
If there was a class for Motorcycle Electics I'd definitely be in 'Remedial' so I'm not anticipating an easy fix for this. I've looked through the manual and other posts but am still not clear on any of it. The battery seems to hold its charge when the bike is doing nothing and will seemingly charge on long fast motorway runs. Normal day to day stuff and it completely discharges.
If anyone here could give me a step by step diagnosis to start with that would be great and if you can avoid talking about flux capacitors and so on that would be even better. Thank you.
SteveD CB500K0:
First step is to measure the battery voltage, across the terminal with a digital voltmeter:
1. Ignition off
2. Ignition on, lights off
3. Tickover, lights off
4. 3000+ revs, lights off
5. 3000+ revs, lights on
Post results here
Steve
matthewmosse:
Off the face of it I had a similar issue and eventually found that it was only charging from 2 of the 3 coils on the altinator (first check might be to just clean and inspect the contacts on the 3 yellow wires. The long motorway speed retaining charge factor leads me to think you have a similar issue - On a couple of occasions I had to complete the last 20 miles of b road riding in the dark and only switching my lights on when I could see approaching headlights either ahead or in the mirrors and relying on moonlight the rest of the time. I had to keep the revs up to even keep her running. I was really glad when I swapped the altinator for a good one but I now know one of my spares is the dud but not which one! doh!
Bryanj:
One of the problems with these is that with lights on and if everything is working they do not charge till over 3,000-3,500 revs.
The alternator itself is normally very robust and only fails due to mechanical (accident or ham fistedness) rather than Burn out.
The most common problem is a bad connector somewhere but you need to get a decent multimeter and be reasonably proficient with it to sort it out
Ewan 500 K1:
--- Quote from: Bryanj on September 13, 2012, 06:31:05 PM ---One of the problems with these is that with lights on and if everything is working they do not charge till over 3,000-3,500 revs.
The alternator itself is normally very robust and only fails due to mechanical (accident or ham fistedness) rather than Burn out.
The most common problem is a bad connector somewhere but you need to get a decent multimeter and be reasonably proficient with it to sort it out
--- End quote ---
I'm conusticated ... why does the clymer manual say that "nightime" charging current v's revs is;
1000revs = 2-3 amps
2000 revs and all revs above that = 1 amp
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