GL1200L Question

[chazglenn3]

Hello all;

I recently bought a 1985 Limited Edition. On the test ride I noticed the volts never went higher that around 12.7 volts. I don't know the history of the bike as I purchased it from a car lot. Is it possible that a bad battery would cause the voltage to show low while riding? The bike is stored in a friends garage currently so I can't even check the stator plug.

Charles

 

[slabghost]

Yes a bad battery or a number of other things could cause the lower voltage. It is also possible the meter itself just reads low. It is of enough to concern that you should check into it and find the reason. Several threads on low voltage already for you to read through and lots of help here when you are ready to start your investigation.

 

[Omega Man]

The new voltage meter I put on my 1500 read low until I replaced the old battery.

~O~

 

[Joep]

My 85's reads 11.7 or so when key on... Will go to 14+ volts when hitting 3500 rpm or so... occasionally will show 12.4 volts but will then kick in and show charge voltage.. 13.+... clean all ground and connections.. wire brush the battery wires and the attachment locations.. then lube the connection after securing the wire...especially the battery ones..

 

[chazglenn3]

Thanks all...I will follow these recommendations as soon as I can get to the bike!

 

[desertrefugee]

I dunno guys. My experience has been a bit different. Unless the battery has a completely dead cell with shorted plates which grossly loads the alternator down, it should allow the alternator to output normally. Generally, this should be a peak regulated output of around 14V (generally much lower at idle).

That's one of the true benefits of having a voltmeter on the bike (or car). So, assuming you have an ACCURATE meter, turn the power on without the motor running and the meter should read the battery. There should be about 12.6V on a normal, fully charged battery. Less than that should raise your eyebrows. Once the motor is running and the alternator charging, the value should go up as noted above. If not, the alternator (or stator on a GL1200) is highly suspect. Cabling and/or connections can contribute, but if they're solid and clean, I'd be looking at Poorboy kit prices.

 

[roondog]

Mine was doing the same thing but it would sometimes read normal at 14.5, then dive down to 12. something. Had it checked out by a reputeable mechanic and the culprit was the voltage suppressor. Yes, it could also be a few other things as you can see here with other solutions.

 

[Joep]

Mine was with a new agm battery after trickle charging... I may have some connections that need to be chased down.. That is a good possibility.. haven't check it with a second meter

 

[chazglenn3]

I had the battery tested and it checked good. The stator plug was already eliminated and the wires soldered. Next I will check the regulator/rectifier and the connections there as well as the solenoid connector and the dogbone fuses. I should also check the system out with a voltmeter too...maybe the gauge is reading low.

 

[desertrefugee]

If your charging output never changes, I doubt it's regulator/rectifier. Most likely you're looking at a stator that's not putting out. You can check each of the three phases. They should be balanced and should each run around 60VAC with motor spinning at 2000RPM or better. If there's a 10% imbalance or one is dead, you have work to do. If balanced around 60VAC consider yourself lucky and go after the rectifier.

I was not lucky. I did a Poorboy installation a couple of years ago and haven't looked back.

 

[joedrum]

hmmmmm dose sound a little suspect ... the stator ... a lot of times the stator is fixed after its to late on hopes it works ... stay at this part ... there are several sator ck vids in tech vid references on forum

 

[slabghost]

chazglenn3 » Tue Feb 04, 2014 2:01 am[/url]":26wrxezc]
I had the battery tested and it checked good. The stator plug was already eliminated and the wires soldered. Next I will check the regulator/rectifier and the connections there as well as the solenoid connector and the dogbone fuses. I should also check the system out with a voltmeter too...maybe the gauge is reading low.

Excellent idea. A 30+ year old stock meter is just as suspect as any other component.

 

[roondog]

The yellow stator wires showing in the battery compartment.....AC or DC. Don't want to put the wrong setting. i saw a vid on youtube. Looked like he kept it on DC and noted that 4 volts was good for each one.

 

[Ansimp]

It is ac but you won't hurt the multimeter it will just read lower using the dc settings

 

[roondog]

ah...ok. Guess thats why he said 4 volts was ok, or over.

 

[chazglenn3]

Finally got the bike moved from my friends house to my house. Checked the connections at the regulator and they were crispy critters. Removed the plugs and soldered the wires and there was no change. Dug out the spare regulator I bought at a salvage yard and noticed that the one in the bike was almost brand new by the look of it, although it was aftermarket...Electrosport I believe (no markings). Removed that one and installed the OEM spare and took a test ride. The bike would charge for about 15 mins then start showing battery voltage. Ordered up a brand new OEM regulator that came in yesterday, soldered that in and all appears to be well, but I have only tested in the garage...raining cats and dogs here. However, this has been the first time since I owned the bike that I have seen 14.0 volts on the meter at any time so I feel good about the fix.

 

[joedrum]

seems so to me that you may have it fixed

 

[chazglenn3]

Yep! Rode for a little over an hour today...charged great!

 

[slabghost]

chazglenn3 » Sat Mar 29, 2014 12:29 am[/url]":1d40lmbk]
Yep! Rode for a little over an hour today...charged great!

:clapping: I love success stories! :good: Congratulations!