Battery / electrical problem - sorted

[Pem Brooke]

Just returned from a 90 minute ride this morning and bike smells like burning biscuits Traced the smell to the battery...wife said it smelled like sulphur so that was an ace clue. Battery was red hot...too hot to touch and bulging on all sides...flippin' 'eck!
I have limited knowledge on electrics but I am OK and handy with the bike. Two thoughts come to mind...voltage regulator or rectifier...can anyone help with their experience or thoughts?
Any pointers would be appreciated. The battery is only 9 months old and I'm sure is goosed, but I have the old battery to use while I sort the problem.
Cheers,

[Wicky]

Regulator/rectifier Don't just change the battery as you'll destroy that as well. Address the cause of the meltdown.



Replace ideally with a mosfet type R/R, new battery and replace/repair burnt wiring and clean connections in the charging system. Hopefully you haven't blown any other major electrical components.

MOSFET Regulator/Rectifiers - The Why & The How > http://www.superhawkforum.com/forums/kn ... how-25117/

Fitting a mosfet R/R > http://www.vtr1000.org/phpBB3/viewtopic ... ty#p351482

*** Read Me for New Members *** Bike Maintenance and Upgrades/Modifications > http://www.vtr1000.org/phpBB3/viewtopic ... 45#p304638

The VTR is a very reliable bike with very few issues. The two biggest concerns if not already dealt with are the Cam Chain Tensioners (CCT's) and the Regulator Rectifier (R/R) which should take priority in maintenance/upgrades.

[Pem Brooke]

Thanks Wicky! Rest of electrical accessories etc still worked OK and bike ran fine...just this problem. I'll fit the new reg / rec and then a new battery. Cheers.

[Pem Brooke]

Fitted a new R/R to the Storm today. Have a new battery charging right now but used a spare battery (not the one that cooked) to 'test run' the bike. All seems to be working fine.

Had a thought.....when the bike is sat idling there's a lot of heat off the rear exhaust (I have Jardine high pipes on the bike)...and the heat transfers to the base of the battery box. The pipe is around 6 inches away from the box...is that heat likely to damage the battery and cause another fail? Anyone experienced similar problems? May be me being paranoid, but just a thought...