Help! Bike wouldn't start this morning

[Giddsy]

Hi there,

Bear with me as not that mechanical...

Went to the bike this morning and it wouldn't start. I turned it over with no choke and then pulled it out a little as usual... It turned over a few times but then before I knew it the battery appeared flat and it was making that clicking sound when the battery is flat. Had to leave it and take the cage to work.

I have since come home and taken battery out to put on charge but before I did this I measured it on the multimeter and got a reading of 11.89 volts - doesn't sound that flat??

Now this is a nearly new battery and I ride it regularly and mostly long distances. It has a datatool alarm on but again I only used it yesterday so really shouldn't have drained it....

Any ideas? The reg/rec is standard still but appears to be functioning...

Thanks in advance.

James

[sirch345]

What you really need to do is check the charging system at the battery terminals once you get the bike running again, using a multi-meter. They should be between 14volts to 16volts if the rectifier is operating correctly. It certainly sounds like the battery or rectifier has gone, either that or you have something draining the power.

See how you get on with the above once you've charged the battery up.

Chris.

[Giddsy]

Ha ha ha! Like your solution the best Mike - will try that first.

Chris thanks for the response - I was under the impression it only needed to be about 13v when running. As I remember, when I last checked I was just about getting 13v... that could be my prob...

Will run it up and check tomorrow (I hope!)

Thanks again.

James

[sirch345]

My bad. I was a little out there, the voltage should be between 13.5v to 15.5volts at 5,000 rev's according to both of my workshop manuals, I've just checked after seeing your reply

I agree, a good possibility from Mike

Chris.

[Giddsy]

Hi guys,
Thanks for the update Chris.

So with lights on it's struggling to do 13v at 5k and lights off it's about 13.4v. Lights on at tick over and it's down to about 12.5v.

Do you think this is where the problem has come from?

Definitely the reg/rec or maybe something different?

Thanks again.

James

[Wicky]

Have you an early or late model Storm? Early ones had R/R prone to failure - later ones were finned

Hi guys,
Definitely the reg/rec or maybe something different?

[Beamish]

As you know twins are hard to turn over, the reg rec and battery have to be spot on and if your bike is packing alarm action then it adds to the grief. I would change the std reg rec even if it proves to be ok due to the known weakness. Good luck mate

[Giddsy]

Thanks again all.

Have just bought an r6 r/r off flea bay for 20 notes. Let's hope it ups the voltage some...

Will keep you posted.

James

[tony.mon]

Having just fitted an Acumen voltmeter and gear indicator, I can report that it shows between 13.2 and 14.4 volts in normal riding.
I mostly use lights on, and this is for the whole of my new 50-mile commute each way.

[sirch345]

With it only charging that low amount I'd be more inclined to think it could be the alternator. But before you go replacing that, check the terminals from the alternator that connect to the rectifier, sometimes they get burnt and just need replacing

Chris.

[Giddsy]

Thanks Chris and Tony,

Will fit r/r, see if that works and then look at alternator...

What did that guy say again? If it's got tits or wheels it'll cost ya!

[Giddsy]

Right, finally got around to fitting R6 reg/rec and and it's worked a treat. Have gone from max 13.5v with lights off and 12.5v with lights on right up to a whopping 14.5v with lights on or off at tick over... Result!

Would say this is an essential mod for anyone not just in case it blows (which is of course good reason to do it anyway) but just to ensure your battery is getting charged.

And thanks to Beast for the simple to use instructions and everyone else for all the excellent advice...

James

[sirch345]

Pleased too hear you've got it sorted James

Chris.