Well now I am dealing with this ever challenging charging system. I may have the problem fixed but ran out of time to assemble everything, so I could not check the charging rate with the headlight on. I spent a lot of time checking the wiring and found the light switch had the pink wire melted off the lug. After no luck with soldering, I just spliced it into the yellow wire.
I also tested the new rectifier (from Retrocycle) and I believe they had it marked wrong because the color code did not make since when checking the diodes. The left lug and center lug I now have running to the stator and the ignition wire is now hooked to the right lug. They had the rectifier mark with yellow left, red center, brown right.
The battery has 13.2V key off. With engine idling it is around 12.5V. and with RPM over 3,500 it is at 12.7V. I did not check it with the headlight on yet. I have not been able to check the AMP’s because my meter has burnt fuses.
I am wondering what others are getting out of their charging systems.
Charging Output Survey...
I'm getting 13 volts out of mine with the headlight on. It has the RetroBikes rectifier, an early rotor (without the 'L') that is supposed to have a stronger magnetic charge, and a PowerSonic gel battery. The stator is NOS that's been in the bike for just over a year. As an aside, I noticed in the back of the Sept/Oct. 2007 issue of Motorcycle Classics magazine that an outfit called Rick's Motorsports is offering 'replacement charging systems for Honda CB/CL 305/350'. I haven't investigated it any further, but the website is www.ricksmotorsportelectrics.com, and the number is (800)-521-0277. If I find out anything more, I'll let you know.
Well I got my Amp. meter fixed. I have always checked a charging system by Amp's.
-2 amp high RPM lights off -4.5 amp high RPM lights on Since it is a 2amp to 4amp draw it will eventually kill the battery. I have a RetroCycle rectifer on it. I bought a RadioShack one and will hook up this weekend. I will post results. I have put many miles on the bike since I got it running, but mostly during the day with the lights off (not legal in Florida). It has not died on me yet. I always start with full charged battery. I am just hoping I do not have to live with it discharging all the time.
I'm more of a volts man, myself. It's my understanding that having the lights on enables the 'third phase' of the stator, and should therefore charge more with the lights on (I'm no expert though!). I tried that Radio Shack thing too and it didn't make any difference, and it was recommended by our good friend Loud Mouse to use the RetroBikes rectifier (no, I don't think he's getting a commission!). How does the stator look? Is any of the insulation flaked off? Is the stator wet at all? I know that the 'charging' system is more of a 'maintenance' system, and was never a flame thrower even when it was new. Since I've been getting 13 volts while running the lights I haven't had to plug the battery in at all to recharge the battery -- and that includes a 1000 mile round trip to Mid-Ohio and back last month.
Update on Rick's Motorsports. They do have a new charging system available - consisting of the rectifier and the stator (no rotor, unfortunately) for $ 225.00 (part # 99-102). They have one left (does that mean they've been flying out the door or this is the only one they've made???). If anyone's bought one, I'd be interested to know how it's worked out....
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