Charging Problems

[KenB7706]

I'm new to the XS Eleven, actually Im new to all Japanese bikes. Grew up chasing problems on old Harleys. Any whoo, I have an 80 XS Eleven, Great running bike. However, I simply cannot get a charge up to the Battery. I just started digging into it so as of yet I don't have an questions. But I will solicit any advice you fellers may have for an XS noobie.

Symptoms. Runs out great, Lots of power. Tach is working. While running it is pulling just below 12 volts at the battery. I replaced he Rectifier with another unit known to be good. The plugs behind the Fuse Plate are in good shape, I have been reading there is or has been some problems with the plug housing the three white wires and I assure you these wires are in good shape.

Now the bike seems to have sat outside at some point of its life, and some fool put the Ugliest bloody handlebars on it I have ever seen. But the bars are nothing but an annoyance at this point. However I am going to be going through the electrical system front to back and clean up all the connectors. I'll be posting up some pictures of the bike over the course of the next day or two to show you what I am working with.

[bikerphil]

You will not see much more than 12V at idle, actually it will be a slight discharge condition. When you rev the bike to 4K rpm, then you should see 13.5-14V. Check the voltage thru different RPM ranges, you should see no more than 14.5V. The voltage should start increasing when you rev up from idle. If it doesn't, then you still have problems.

[DiverRay]

+1 on checking at different rev's. I find it takes about 2,500RPM to "break even" on the charge with the stock reg/rec.
DO clean ALL GROUND LOCATIONS!! I use anti seize on the ground screws and wire tabs to keep them clean. Use a VOM and measure resistance between the reg/rec rear screw, as it has the ground lugs on it, and the battery negative terminal. It should be no more that 2 Ohms, and >1 is much better.
If the tach is working, you should be putting out AC, so do clean and check ALL connections you can! Also, check the back of the connectors and look for frayed or discolored wires. Sometimes, as the wires are getting older, they corrode and cause high heat at the crimp.
Welcome to the XS11 madness!

[KenB7706]

Okay, this is what I have seen so far, At idle it is as you say, however it takes the bike to 4k to break even, and yes the Tach is working. My Volt meter had a run in with the wife's lovely pit mix and lost. (Never seen a more destructive dog in my life, honestly). So that is my my to get list. From what I can tell all the wires seem to be good, plugs look good, Some surface hazing but all in all okay. What I did find though is this, The box below and to the left of the fuse block, it has two large flat head screws marked for positive and negative, I am guessing a power excessary port? That thing has corrosion and rust on the connectors. So that is number one on my fix list.

[MPittma100]

Charging

Check/improve grounds at battery to chassis and regulator to chassis. Often over looked, often the problem. You can improve grounds by cleaning termination points. Also a good idea to add some ground wiring turning chassis grounds into direct battery grounds.

One other idea is to replace the regulator/rectifier with one of Geezer's units.

[KenB7706]

I replaced the Rectifier from a running bike a local salvage yard had. Both rectifiers give me the exact same reading. I'll will definitely be going over the grounds though, that is my project this weekend. Thanks by way for the advise, gives me a good jumping off point. Was I correct in guessing that the other box described was an accessory block?

[MPittma100]

I replaced the Rectifier from a running bike a local salvage yard had. Both rectifiers give me the exact same reading. I'll will definitely be going over the grounds though, that is my project this weekend. Thanks by way for the advise, gives me a good jumping off point. Was I correct in guessing that the other box described was an accessory block?

Yes, an accessory fused block.

[KenB7706]

Looks like a replacement is in its future, Maybe a cell phone/MP3 player charging port, possibly a cigarette lighter

[DiverRay]

If you put in a new ATC fuse block(T.C.'s work great), you have the empty slots there and don't need the one under the regular fuse block. The wires will fit up to the new position, BTDT.
Try to pick up a Harbor Freight add. They usually have a VOM for $2.99 with coupon, and it works well, packs easily when needed, and is cheap to replace if the dog gets it again. Also, have the Wife run the dog a lot more! That's what I needed to do with one dog I had.