3rd gen charging, starting issues.

I have had this 1991 for a couple years now. Has a new battery, but when you leave the bike for a couple weeks the battery is down to a point that the bike wont start. (So I keep it on a battery tender)

When I take the bike out riding, once I ride for a while, and shut off the bike it wont turn over when I try to restart until the bike cools down. The bike is not over heating and I have tested the draw on the starter and that also tests fine.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

You need to test the charging voltage coming from the R/R (Regulator/Rectifier) while the bike is running. Voltage should be somewhere in the 13-14 volt range at idle and should increased closer to 15 as you increase the RPM's. If you are not getting proper charging voltage you are likely looking at a bad R/R or in some cases a bad stator (STATOR not starter) or wiring harness.

There are endless threads on how to troubleshoot this issue if you use the search function. Also be sure to check all the plastic molex connectors that are part of the wiring harness to see if there are any signs of burning which is a very common issue. The most common failure points are the connector from the harness to the R/R itself (behind the right rear fairing) and the connectors from the stator to the wiring harness (located behind the right mid panel)

Rollin

 

Rollin is quite correctly in referring to a plug that sometimes looks as pictured:



Also, many charging problems can be found within the wires that plug into the top of the starter solenoid.

 

Thanks Squirrel, I am also aware of the rectifier problems wit these and I had already tested the stator output. was looking for some suggestions beyond the normal. I should have just stayed over on the hawk Forum and asked, you are there and so are the most knowledgeable Honda peeps I know.

 

Sounds like a loose or corroded ground wire, or a dirty contact in the starter push-button, or a weak battery.

How old is your 'new' battery? What is the open circuit voltage (at rest with no-load)? What does the voltage sag down to when cranking?

 

battery was new when I picked up the Bike, less than a week. problem still existed. I checked the battery voltage and the starter draw at the shop, all was good. I am going to start checking other stuff.

 

yeah you're probably right and just need to go on back over to the hawk forum -- they can probably provide solutions for someone who asks for help but then can't be bothered to answer direct questions...we just like folks to waste our time over here.