Multimeter novice

[BassCliff]

Hi,

1. Key off: 12.5v
2. Key on after 10s: 11.9v
3. Idle: 13.2v
4. 2500 rpm: 12.4v
5. 5000 rpm: 12.2v
6. Key off: 12.5v

Thoughts?

I think your charging system is broken.

The fact that you have less output at 5000rpm than at lower revs tells me that the wiring needs to be cleaned up, there is too much corrosion somewhere.

Usually, if the charging system is low then the stator is at fault. If the system is over-charging then the r/r is at fault. I have had stators test good in the garage but still be bad under load after they warmed up. If the insulation has melted from the windings the wires can move and short as the part warms up and vibrates in its oil bath.

The popular r/r replacement is a Shindengen unit from a Honda. You can find a list of compatible units on my website in the electrical section. Then purchase one for cheap from eBay. You'll also find directions on how to modify the connectors on my website. It seems to me that you need to replace the stator too. I like the Rick's Electrics part and the Caltric (eBay seller) part if you are really on a budget.

Dirty, corroded wiring can kill a stator quickly. Make sure all the electrical connections and grounds are clean. EDIT: Like Mr. posplayr says, clean all connections thoroughly then test again before you start spending money on parts. Clean all grounds and connect the r/r ground wire directly to the negative battery terminal.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[posplayr]

As Cliff is saying the voltage is dropping severely after holding a strong voltage output (13.2v) at idle. The drop in voltage as rpm increases is often a result of high resistance and high voltage drops between the r/r and battery. As the functioning charging system tries to push current to the electrical system, the voltage drops increases and the battery voltage drops. The bike will run because it is getting current but being below 12.8v the battery discharges.

You could not have pushed a battery from under 12v to above 13v without having some charging output. In fact unless you have a high idle 13.2 is normal if not on the high side.

So as a next step, clean up the connections and charge your battery and redo the quick test.

[nastyjones]

The knowledge shared freely & openly on this forum has always impressed me. I guess that's why I check this site every day, 7 days a week.