Charging systems

I have heard that vfrs eat voltage regulators. My 94's died at 35k mi and I now have a 01 with 60kmi.
What is the story?

 

the rectifier is hidden under the left side rear fairing and gets no airflow.i put mine out over the rear passenger pegs after mine failed and i bought a new one

 

Think connections

The most likely basic fault lays with associated wiring and connectors. As these components "age", resistance goes up, then the regulator system design breaks down. Excessive heating of the R/R is the result, but alas, only a sysmptom.

Failed/weak batteries rank a close second. These Motorcycle voltage sensitive, constant current electrical systems do not tolerate extreme imbalance of any parts. Actually the same system is used on my graden tractor, and I have had to replace that R/R too. hmmmm there is a pattern here ;-)

Suggestions?

Service the charging circuit connections by cleaning the contacts (pins and sockets) of the plugs from time to time. There are some good chemicals for this purpose available from Radio Shack. Uncovered outdoor storage would certainly accelerate "weathering" of these important connections.

Use a battery tender to top up the battery after periods of storage, or any time the battery is suspect.

Fit a Volt meter and become accustomed to "normal voltage readings" .

Build a shrine to the Lords of Volt and pay your respects daily.

YMMV

CalG

 

Go to wiremtbike.com.

He has a great explanation of the problem.

 

^^^^he meant wiremybike.com and it is a great site.

 

hi jobvfr!:smile:
well,on my vfr 2001 the battery and voltage regulator are original!!! do you know what's the secret for this long life...? since the beginning of my adventure with my "creature", honda mechanic told me to use always a product called "accumate" when the vfr is not used and is storaged in garage.
this item keeps the battery full of energy and charge it if it need to.problems with voltage regulator appear when energy level battery are critical.
i hope to be useful for you.
comliments for your new bike! enjoy and drive safe!!!
michele.
ps:i apologize for my school english:redface:

 

No worries as your English is almost certainly better than my Italian. I have been to Italy many times & love it.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

thanks insider....!:redface:
i do my best for to make me understand....i hope to achieve...:strong:
ciao a tutti! (hallo everybody!)
michele.

 

Howdy -

Here's a link to the thread I created for charging issues I had on my bike. I explored a bunch of options and ended up using Tightwad's harness & R/R (proprieter of Wire My Bike).

Thread: Updated: Resolved - Yet Another Charging System Problem - '99 - VFRD

 

Wow

Wow -- thanks to all!
I will check out the website and see.
I am a honda auto tech and wiring problems are nothing new!
I have since put a voltmeter on the bike and it reads 14.4v all the time,
except at idle 13.5.
Thanks again too all!
jobvfr