So does it sound like the RR

My bike was running a little strangly the last couple of days, didn't want to start right away. Had some broad flat spots during acceleration in the 4-5K range. Cranking seemed somewhat slow compared to normal but generally was doing ok no real cause for alarm. Last night I started the bike it it just didn't want to stay running @ first left the shop & the bike died @ the stop sign got it going again by bumping it as I was still rolling. Stopped @ the local auto parts store picked up some Sea Foam as I had to run it on reserve the other day figured maybe water or other junk got in the carbs so I addded about a 1/4 of a bottle for the ride home. I took the scenic route home & did some carving bike was running good. Went to to leave for work today very low voltage cranking & no attemt to fire what so ever( battery is 3 yrs old & I was going to replace it but it took a charge & was performing ok until now? So does this sound like my RR took a :bs: or should I start looking else where?? Had to take the big Expedition to work today as I let the wife take the Cavelier because I was riding the check book is still smoldering in my back pocket from the fill up.:kaboom:

 

Have you tried charging your battery with a trickle charger?

Does it hold a charge?

If anything, I'd replace the battery first. With the new battery take the ol' multi-meter to the VFR. Set it on the 20 volts setting. Hook up the leads and rev that engine to 5000 rpms and hold it there and see what you get.

If it read 14 volts or better OK. Then take it for a ride, come back and take another measurment and see what you get.

My 2 cents.

BZ

 

IT is SO SIMPLE to check : just get the bike running at 4-5000 rpm and put a voltmeter across battery terminals.......you need to see a reading of ABOUT 14 volts.

A really proper 'cycle shop can do a "load test" on your battery to check it's health.

 

well, if it turns out to be the r/r, give me a shout

I'd check the battery first though

 

The R/R problem is just your initiation into the VFR world.

There is a section on this website devoted to the joys of the R/R phenomenon. Enjoy . . .

 

Make sure the battery is fully charged (12.5 v) before you test the R/R. Mine went bad, but I don't recall performance issues other than the battery not charging and a dim headlight.

 

Charge your battery either out of the bike or with cables disconnected. After it is fully charged, it should read about 13.2v. Let it sit overnight or even better - 24 hours. It should not get below 12.6/12.5 on its own. Then the battery is probably bad. If it can sit at or above those voltages then it's OK. Then use your haynes manual or the Electrosport flowchart to check your charging system. I had to do the ole wiring mod to get my charging system within specs. If you want to know how it's done, let me know. Good luck and remember - this is VFR hazing!

 

I picked up a new battery this weekend, just haven't had time to install & test yet. I've spent all weekend working on cars that I had sold to get them ready for buyers. Maybe tonight I will be able to get @ it.