Very Poor Charging System

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 7:59 pm

HEY GANG !!!

AS it turns out, The charging system on my bike is very very poor. (I Didn't expect it to be great) But...Even when I'm cruising at highway speeds it doesn't seem charge very well, if at all. I can have a full charge battery and a few days later it will go dead. It dies even faster if the headlights on, almost as if its pulling battery only, and the generator isnt working at all. I know I could purchase the RICKS STATOR kit in this link. But I'd like to check further. How can I make sure its charging at all. Are there better options than the kit? What about a NOS stator? Or is the stator actually what I need???? :)

http://www.ricksmotorsportelectrics.com ... ZIb25DQjc3

But I'd rather not shell out the coin if I dont have to. I just want to be able to make sure on little bike trips at night I'm not going to be worried about losing battery power or the bike dying.

Any tips on diagnosing the problem would be very very helpful to, considering I'm no mechanic. Just a Parts Guy ;).

Thanks A BUNCH !!!

ps- My starter is broken could this be drawing power? If I use the switch it will spin, but not engage. Its almost as if the gears aren't meshing. Sorry, But I can explain more if needed.

Dana01 · Post by **Dana01** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 9:38 pm

Is it possible the broken starter is really shorted out and causing the drain?

Disconnect it, and see if it still drains.

cyclon36 · Post by **cyclon36** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 11:22 pm

Not really anything to help diagnose, but these few tips can help you save battery life in general

-If you can find a rotor marked CB72 with no (L) after it from an early model, the charge is greater on those.
-Replace your tail light with an LED light to save power. There's a thread here somewhere discussing options.
-Upgrade your rectifier to a modern solid state unit that's more efficient.

brewsky · Post by **brewsky** » Wed Feb 23, 2011 5:02 am

There are some suggestions in this thread...
http://www.honda305.com/forums/viewtopi ... highlight=

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Wed Feb 23, 2011 10:36 am

http://cgi.ebay.ca/HONDA-CL72-CL-CB-72- ... 1c0aaf66c4

So Something like this is what I'm looking for? Correct? Also, Would/Should I buy a new stator as well? Or try this first? I'd rather just do it right the first time even if it means extra money.

I will look for an LED Tail. Thanks ;)

Also, Thanks for the tip on the other thread!

YOU GUYS THE BEST !!!

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Wed Feb 23, 2011 10:37 am

PS- I will look for a rectifier.

BUt, What exactly does the rectifier do? I'm new to this whole bike business. Also, Should I look for a new or used one?

Thanks again.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/HONDA-CB72-CB77-RECT ... 4cf5579d60

brewsky · Post by **brewsky** » Wed Feb 23, 2011 12:28 pm

Ryan,
Before you start throwing money at new parts, make sure you find out what is causing your problem.

The stock charging system may not be the greatest capacity but it does work when there is nothing wrong and you don't add extra load to it.

Your problem could be as simple as a corroded or loose connection somewhere in the wiring harness or a switch.

If so, a new rotor, stator or rectifier won't solve it.

You can replace the rectifier for less than $5 if you are not looking to have a 100 point show bike, and it would be a good idea, as they tend to get unreliable with age anyway.

There are some good posts be e3steve on testing the one you have if you search.

See here:
http://www.honda305.com/forums/viewtopi ... sc&start=0

Download a wiring diagram so you can see how the system works, and you can check it piece by piece.