Not gonna pile on....

[puskrat]

Have several questions running and want to get them out and discussions started. Some of you have given me great wisdom regarding carburetor issues, and I thank you.

I know XS 650 was pretty notorious for bad charging systems, which would eventually go down, but before giving up the ghost, destroy a couple batteries as well. The builder fix was a magneto system somewhat cobbled from a number of potential sources, or purchased from a couple of commercial outlets. Recent post here I saw the 11s put down for having weak charging systems as well, and in a conversation about kickstarters, it was pointed out the emergency kickstarter is useless in the case of a dead battery, because the XS11 system hasn't a magneto. So, question one:

How bad is the charging system, should I, like the 650ers, assume the system will fail and plan action now?

[yamtom]

the problem is,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

If a battery fails, often the voltage is not high enough to fire the ignition. I know ten volts is too low, but maybe there is a need for volts to be as high as 12 for the tci. Guys that use the kickstarter, usually do it to SAVE a slightly weak battery, not use the kicker to try to start with a dead battery. I think I have heard of some, using the kickstarter to retain their manly reputation, hardy har har. I have a kickstarter but I dont use it.

[dbeardslee]

The charging system tends to work pretty well on XS11's. They don't charge below 2500 rpms, though, and if you want to charge at low rpms one of Geezer's regulator/rectifiers will facilitate that.

One problem you do see a lot is the wires that run from the stators. They run up to a connection behind the fuse block, and a lot of times the connectors get corroded, resistance rises, and the connectors get hot and melt the plastic housing. Part of why it's a good idea to go through all your connectors and make sure they're clean and serviceable. But you shouldn't have to make any changes to the charging system itself.

[motoman]

Have several questions running and want to get them out and discussions started. Some of you have given me great wisdom regarding carburetor issues, and I thank you.

I know XS 650 was pretty notorious for bad charging systems, which would eventually go down, but before giving up the ghost, destroy a couple batteries as well. The builder fix was a magneto system somewhat cobbled from a number of potential sources, or purchased from a couple of commercial outlets. Recent post here I saw the 11s put down for having weak charging systems as well, and in a conversation about kickstarters, it was pointed out the emergency kickstarter is useless in the case of a dead battery, because the XS11 system hasn't a magneto. So, question one:

How bad is the charging system, should I, like the 650ers, assume the system will fail and plan action now?

Make sure ALL plug-ins are clean(lookin' at them don't count). The system as it comes is NOT weak..........just weak minded owners who neglect electrical maintenance.

[mack]

charging

My SF has the spare kicker and so does the E. The last time I had to use one was in 1988. My starter button was broken. Until I transplanted the horn button, I kicked it (SF) over for a couple months. I was never launched over the bars but had lots of shin bruising. The XS will actually kick over fairly easily but it's still a pain putting it on then taking it off and putting it away.
Geezers rectifier/regulator is on all three of my XS's. It starts to charge just off idle and is all in at about 3500 so if your doing city driving or short hops to the corner store, it's really, really worth the money. It's nice looking, bolt on ready and the last couple I bought had the screws required as well!

[mrhammer2u]

but it's still a pain putting it on then taking it off and putting it away.

Why didn't you just leave it on?

Mine is currently off but because it's broken,..possibly,..trying to figure that part out. I was thinking of leaving it off except for murphy's law.

[motoman]

If a battery fails, often the voltage is not high enough to fire the ignition. I know ten volts is too low, but maybe there is a need for volts to be as high as 12 for the tci. Guys that use the kickstarter, usually do it to SAVE a slightly weak battery, not use the kicker to try to start with a dead battery. I think I have heard of some, using the kickstarter to retain their manly reputation, hardy har har. I have a kickstarter but I dont use it.

Actually poor connections cause that. Hey, come on, that regulator doesnt have a brain and it doesn't know either way about either a good or poor connection.

[puskrat]

Actually poor connections cause that. Hey, come on, that regulator doesnt have a brain and it doesn't know either way about either a good or poor connection.

Is that why some call me the reg......

[dbeardslee]

Probably a good time to put in a plug for a Battery Tender Jr. I put one on Betsy earlier this year 'cause I make a lot of short trips at low rpms that don't give the charging system a chance to recharge the battery. I just plug it in when I put her to bed and it keeps my battery topped off. Supposed to extend the life of a battery too, but I won't be able to make an informed comment about that for a few years. Even with Geezer's R/R they say it takes twenty minutes for a battery to fully recharge after a start, so if you make short trips like I do it might be a good investment. I sure like mine.

[puskrat]

Thanks everyone. Guess I'm gonna gotta get off the old arse and get things done. I'm getting to the point of planning procrastination.

[dbeardslee]

I'm getting to the point of planning procrastination.

LoL Used to call that analysis paralysis.

[Prisoner6]

... I'm getting to the point of planning procrastination.

Sounds familiar ...

I was planning on "planning procrastination" ... but I keep putting it off.

[skids]

Actually poor connections cause that. Hey, come on, that regulator doesnt have a brain and it doesn't know either way about either a good or poor connection.

Solid state makes a difference Brant, assuming Geezer's is solid state.

[motoman]

Probably a good time to put in a plug for a Battery Tender Jr. I put one on Betsy earlier this year 'cause I make a lot of short trips at low rpms that don't give the charging system a chance to recharge the battery. I just plug it in when I put her to bed and it keeps my battery topped off. Supposed to extend the life of a battery too, but I won't be able to make an informed comment about that for a few years. Even with Geezer's R/R they say it takes twenty minutes for a battery to fully recharge after a start, so if you make short trips like I do it might be a good investment. I sure like mine.

Hard on batteries and shortens there life span. A battery is on;y as good as it will take a repeated charge. Therfore never have owned a tickle charger. BTW, I repeatedly get 8=10yrs. use out of ALL my batteries, cages included. That is also using top brand of Interstate batteries in everthing from motorcycles, auto F=350 short bed diesel and fifth wheel. No need to say more, as good quality, kept clean speak for themselves!

[dbeardslee]

Hard on batteries and shortens there life span. A battery is on;y as good as it will take a repeated charge. Therfore never have owned a tickle charger. BTW, I repeatedly get 8=10yrs. use out of ALL my batteries, cages included. That is also using top brand of Interstate batteries in everthing from motorcycles, auto F=350 short bed diesel and fifth wheel. No need to say more, as good quality, kept clean speak for themselves!

It's not a trickle charger - it's a float charger. I guess all the people who report extended battery life with their use are having a shared delusion.