Freddie Dobbs' Bonneville | Where do the volts go?

Join me in this video after taking on the challenge to fix @FreddieDobbs Triumph Bonneville T100SE. This motorcycle is the central focal point of his channel and has been right there with him on many adventures from all over Europe to the Sahara, across the Atlas Mountains to the local coffee shop!
We continue by assessing the charging system on the bike to hopefully determine the reasoning for repeated breakdowns as a result of a discharged battery.
Check out Freddie Dobbs' KZbin channel right here:
/ @freddiedobbs
www.buymeacoffee.com/thewurks
#Bonneville #dobbs #triumphmotorcycles
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[@snorwitz4265]

what would be really great is to have a small series on how to investigate electrical issues on bikes using a multi meter - it migtht have been covered before but you're very clear and precise on what is going on

[@TheWurks]

This is in the ideas bank, thanks for the suggestion!

[@Prodemocracy1776]

What would be good for you folks that want to understand basic electrical circuit is to get a book from your local library that explains current flow ,resistance and voltage. This will help you understand how to troubleshoot. If you don’t understand the basics it will be difficult to understand the process to find a fault in a circuit.

[@roddyb]

Great idea, mini electrics 101 lesson. Often we don’t have the confidence to choose the right pin in a combi plug

[@ColinCarFan]

Agreed, it would be good to see what you are looking for and why with the regulator as they are often cited as the cause of many different types of failure.

[@tweetchris46]

Great idea. Electrical gremlins are my Achilles heal.

[@BlueRidgeRider]

I love the way you think like a real mechanic. Methodically knowledgeable and logical! So many of today’s “technicians” are parts changers and keyboard warriors. “Sorry Freddie, we threw £1000 worth of parts at it and it’s no better. I guess you can sell it for parts”. Really enjoying this series!

[@dw0159]

Just no substitute for experience, knowledge, and skills. Awesome to watch someone who clearly know what they are doing. I'm so glad to have found your channel via Freddie 👍

[@TheWurks]

I appreciate that!

[@Martyntd5]

Just want to say great job for helping Freddie out here, another great job for rescuing a Bonnie and you explain things so well, I'm getting a free education. Thanks man, you're a gem.

[@TheWurks]

Thank you so much!

[@colinsweetman6745]

Great videos. I’m planning on a mosfet regulator upgrade on my 1998 BMW F650 so this was particularly interesting. You’ve got a committed subscriber here.

[@Martyntd5]

@@colinsweetman6745 Same here. This guy is a natural. I think his channel is gonna blow up.

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

@@TheWurks *How many hours to finding that the rectifier/regulator was the cause?*

[@naughtycoolsailor1240]

A female rider here with only 3 yrs riding experience - i like to understand how a motorcycle works and ticks etc and not just turn the ignition, twist the throttle and go! This type of video is so interesting and inspiring on how to move on from basic bike maintenance. Thank you! I'm a FDs follower but from investigating the issues with his bike, you've gained another follwer here!

[@hsg288]

Great work Joe , I had the exact same problem on my Honda VFR 750 few years back . New reg/rec and battery . Quite unbelievable that a so called Triumph specialist was hinting at a replacement engine . 😮

[@mattgreene01]

What I love to see: methodical work bit by bit to get to the root of the issue. Top man.

[@reinmansmith]

As someone who finds ‘electrickery’ a strange ‘dark art’, it’s very educational to watch you working your way methodically through Freddie’s issues with this bike…. I’m looking forward to seeing how you progress with this 👍

[@harleyguzz4301]

Great video mate, just a heads up for Bonnie owners , my son has one and has suffered from numerous electrical faults . Being his go to Mechanic dad this is what I have found . When they make the frame loom and have a joint for more than one wire they crimp them together with a tube of metal. Water gets down the loom and corrodes the crimp (which is only protected with a sliver of tape). Hope this helps someone .

[@nickduffy8482]

Good progress, I suspect there will be multiple smaller issues compounding into the overall problem. Really enjoying the diagnosis of the patient!

[@paulbarrell1351]

Great to see you working through problems rather than saying "oh it needs a new engine" Could never work out how electrical problems were caused by low compression Keep up the good work

[@sdpicturecard6858]

I’m glad you’re methodically working your way toward finding the problems with this bike. I hope to learn some things. I know next to nothing about bike electrics; so your work here is enlightening. Perhaps in the future you can do some videos to show the details of how and why these tests work and how to use the proper tools to carry out the tests. Cheers!

[@danieldunlop1409]

I fully agree with these comments. Very useful video! Looking forward to the next one.

[@dirkdiggler5164]

The repair manual doesn't list the steps to test these things?

[@ogri48]

good diagnostic explanation ta mate👍like a lot of biker home spanner’s bike electrics are a bit of a dark art to me, nice to get some pukka heads ups ta feller😊👍

[@douglasfitzsimmons654]

P​@@ogri48

[@davidfj2287]

great to learn that freddie's loved bike will be back on the road and thank to freddie for introducing your channel 👍

[@TheWurks]

Certainly will be one way or another...

[@colinvos4443]

Thanks for taking us along on the fault diagnosis. Well done.

[@nicolaf970]

Great video, lots of interesting information for people to take away and diagnose their own bike issues with. Everyone loves Freddie for one thing or another, but being an ex Porsche apprentice I hoped he maintained his ride better 😂… he’s lucky you reached out to fix his ride, let’s hope it’s the start of a great friendship and you can offer you services to him along the way so he’s riding a safe and maintained bike 😊😉

[@billrothwell7139]

I like the way you work your way through the bike ,I like Freddy enjoy riding my Bonnie but have zero mechanical experience .thanks for helping him out 👍

[@gsoni79]

Brilliant I loved the way you checked all connectors and voltage one by one

[@robedmunds7163]

Very methodical test. At least the rectifier is in the airstream and not in an enclosed space like my GS550. Which was getting very hot until I moved it.

[@KyloNight]

I have no clue about mechanics or electrics but I’m watching here in the hope to see Freddie’s bike alive again! Top man for doing this and I’m learning loads as well. Really good at describing what you’re doing, great stuff 👍

[@mikecook1240]

So cool you are doing that work. I hope people flood you with future business.

[@cbrider726]

Great work . Looking forwards to your next stream. I have been a bike tech for over 30 years and still learn form guys like you . We all need a little help and this helps to give the brain a jump start . 👍👍👍👍

[@MrMilehigh2010]

Oh to have your knowledge and expertise..I believe you when you say the Triumph will run again..Freddie must be over the moon at your optimism to revive his m/cycle.. Great watch ,love the narration and look forward to more episodes..Well done..!!!👍

[@nikitis13]

Rectifiers on these older 865's have a reputation for failure so no surprises there... Mechanically they are stout, trouble free, simple and very long lived and unlikely to cause any grief for owners over the years... (I've had 7 of them😵‍💫 😁)... If they have been periodically serviced, they are tough as nails. I suspect the the rough running might be due to the exhausts that was recently changed by Freddie without a re-map. I'd say it needs a re-map and it needs its throttle bodies synced correctly, and it will be run like a top. They deserve to be "opened up" a little with a good set of exhausts, snorkel removal and free flow filter (TOR exhaust's are great, not too loud and they look relatively stock) It will transform the bike and dare I say, "better" than the liquid cooled 900 Bonnies. Good work mate 👍. Thank's for the video 😉

[@gerrymcivor374]

Excellent stuff. Great to see and hear someone who knows their way around the electrical system and can also explain things. Top work.

[@TheWurks]

Much appreciated!

[@mark.e.p]

I'm no mechanic, but on a previous post, l thought it was the rectifier. Had the same issue years back on an old CB 350 Honda. Good stuff tracking that back.

[@Ijusthopeitsquick]

You're doing a good job on the electrical side. As for the running issues, I would start by checking the tank cap breather, just in case it's blocked and causing intermittent fuel starvation.

[@JoeRadman]

Fantastic job on these videos. Amazing work on the bike. Thanks for the masterclass on motorcycle repair. Hello from Canada!

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Good job👍. Had excatly this on a Vstrom happen. Rectifier cooked itself and stator side wiring on first ride, melting the wires leaving me stranded. Quickly diagnosed the issue and replaced it with a MOFSET aftermarket part. Took the opportunity to renew the stator to an uprated uk made one as original was quite weedy and aftermarket heated grips had been added (these oem stators often failed). Now see 14.4 to 14.6v charging. Battery upgraded to Yuasa higher cca version. No more electrikery problems 😁

[@richy3712]

Great electrical knowledge! Wish I had even an ounce of your knowledge… would love to see an idiots guide to bike electrics and how to do some basic health checks…

[@6mm.parabellum]

Can't wait to see your next installment for the rectifier upgrade. Iam trying to make my 2010 bonneville SE the best it can be and relocating and upgrading the rectifier would go a long way to future proofing mv bike. Great video 👍

[@nigelfisher6896]

I'm not surprised at all. The rectifiers as you say on the "earlier" new generation Triumphs are prone to failure. Next thing will be the coils. Loving this channel.

[@nigelfisher6896]

I'm looking forward to seeing the fix for this as I have a 2019 T120. The rectifier is in the same place, so I may do the upgrade. 😀

[@felixcomms]

Very logical diagnosis. Yep keep the updates coming.👍

[@tedcase9175]

Well so impressed,I served my apprenticeship in motor engineering,and eventually teaching the same, you were so clear and methodical, in my youth I like you had many issues with other peoples bikes working into the early hours because it got me, great to see someone like you with so much confidence and inspiring,great your helping Freddie out,keep up the good work, from 69 yr old enthusiast.

[@TheWurks]

Thank you for the kind words fella, very much appreciated!

[@shedend3066]

Great stuff - electrics go a bit over my head but clear and concise from you it makes sense

[@weebercorey]

Having followed Freddie's Bonneville journey since the beginning, I love watching these videos and following the saga in real time. It's like a soap opera for men!

[@ianseddon9347]

Supreme clear presentation- a video about how you tested the rectifier would be great. There’s a hope for new life for lots of older Triumphs coming from this series!

[@abikenamedannabel]

I came over to check on Freddie's bike but I plan to stay much longer. Solid videos mate.

[@TheWurks]

Thanks pal really appreciate it… glad you enjoy the content!

[@nickaxe771]

Great Work Joe.....wish I lived nearer to you....after only a minute I can tell you know your stuff mate. Great to see you work. Your a lucky guy Freddie having Joe looking after you. Nick near Liverpool....water cooled T100 owner.

[@TheWurks]

Thanks pal, tbf I live no-where near Freddie either ;P

[@Jonathanpaulm]

Amazing work, professionalism of the highest standard, and thanks for helping Freddie! 😀

[@greybrawn]

Nice work so far Joe Very clear problem solving

[@robmance1611]

Absolutely fascinating!

[@christopherbarker6110]

Just had to sort my 955i tiger, stator soldered directly to reg/rec and bypassed the loom, the positive and negative direct to battery, loads of volts again, best of luck with the Freddie build fella ❤

[@christopherbarker6110]

@@karine606 yes in-line fuses from reg-rec positive to positive battery negative out of reg-rec to negative side of battery bypassing the loom and original fuse box, mosfet reg/rectifier and soldered connections those block connections are pants, Regards, Chris

[@christopherbarker6110]

@@karine606 Halfords mini fuse holder 221 with a 15 amp mini blade fuse x2 I have pictures I can send of what I did, it will cure the problem, I changed the battery, stator and reg-rectifier, because I was sick of it letting me down, not cheap, but cured it x

[@rjvnfer2149]

Great job man! Here from Freddie Dobbs channel. I had a 2010 Ducati M1100. It runs good when it starts but would stall whenever I’m coming to a stop. The rectifier was the culprit! After I changed it, everything runs perfect so I went and traded it for a GS! 😂

[@martinslocombe2288]

Well done

[@jamesonpace726]

Hungry guy ordering a hot dog, "gimme da wurks!"....

[@iancharlesworth3654]

HURRY UP BACK. Love this kind of stuff. 👍👍👍 Proving other people wrong.

[@naughtyprimez]

im really enjoying watching the progress keep it going this is really interesting!

[@chrisdowns3725]

I'd love to see more about the electrical diagnosics.

[@leedoak2274]

Good work im glad your getting Freddie sorted out🎉

[@s.crambling3795]

I prefer Riumph!! 😅

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Good work there 👍 Proper tests on a proper meter. EEVblog is a great channel too - I've been subscribed for years 😀

[@l0ner1der]

Great video and explanations, thank you, watching with interest

[@markpercy4277]

Excellent stuff, love watching these types of videos my electrical knowledge is bloody awful 👍

[@mkoehler222]

I'm loving it from St. Louis, MO. USA

[@TheWurks]

Thanks pal! Really appreciate you taking the time to comment!

[@redleadervfr-v4906]

It’s great to see you are saving the Triumph from the grave yard. I sure Freddie had resigned himself to that fact anyway. It’s amazing how a Reg/Rec can cause so many issues on a bike and like you say upgrading it is a great thing to do. What a great guy you are putting yourself up to sort the Triumph out for Freddie. And I’m really enjoying the way you are working on the bike. Thanks for sharing this with us👍

[@alanduncan3337]

Good to see you're making headway Joe 👍

[@weemsmotorco]

Joe you nailed it man!

[@TheWurks]

Thanks pal! Plenty more work to do here I fear....

[@EnglishVeteran]

Very interesting. Thanks.

[@bikerbuddy3166]

A good watch as ever your definitely right about the T120 rectifier being a good upgrade 😎👌

[@TheWurks]

Thanks pal. We’ll certainly find out…

[@acebenedicto3189]

you are a legend! outstanding work!

[@guyonacub4335]

I'm watching and learning I have taken to fixing/ servicing my own honda crf 250l Practically taken it apart to clean/ fix/ maintain with help from youtube guys like yourself Keep doing what you're doing as you do it well

[@_Just_Some1]

Liked the video within the first 2sec and making this comment to help the engagement :) Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@TheWurks]

I appreciate that!

[@robrockatansky5905]

I had a Daytona 675 that fried its RR after 1,000 miles. Dealer replaced it with OEM part and a few thousand later it did the same thing. A smaller local shop installed a Honda part and it never happened again. He said Triumph knew it was an issue but was unwilling at the time to correct it. I’m not surprised this bike is having RR issues as well! Good job finding it and helping Freddie out.

[@saveurselves989]

Great job! Looking forward to the next vid. Freddy needs to keep his bike clean when he gets it back. Can't believe how dirty and grimy it looked.

[@skychaser59]

Really enjoy following you diagnosing Freddie's bike. Good job.

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Nicely done. All that dielectric grease won't help on the actual connectors..it's ok on the outside of the blocks and back of connectors tho. That rubber grommet needs putting back in place or that will possibly cause issues in the future. Yes that battery reading on higher revs giving 13.7v is definitely cause for concern. Will be interested to see comparison with new MOSFET regrec.

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

Auto electrics is definitely above my paygrade but I did have a suspicion that Freddie's bike's main problems were electrical based and certainly not massive loss of compression. It was an interesting watch to see you going through methodically checking as it is a black art to me. Hopefully its rough running is just down to mixture issues and can be sorted fairly easily.

[@GibbAsp]

Nice clear video on how to check the stator. On older Hinckley triumphs it was a common bodge to run the regulator DC output direct to the battery and to bypass the wiring loom. You often gain 0.5v at idle while charging. I can vouch for this as i ran my 955 sprint many years this way .

[@andypaddon8531]

You rock for working on Freddie's bike! Looking forward to next video

[@deanfryers1407]

Great job , very informative, keep em coming.

[@robgerety]

This is the way a real experienced mechanic works. Great job.

[@joeljorgefernandes8513]

It's good to know that Freddies Bonnie is in such good hands. Just keep the good work and we will be this side enjoying the Journey. Chears.

[@paulbiddulph7620]

I'm a retired mechanic and restoration of 1970s Japanese bikes is my hobby though I do have a 2008 Bonneville in my garage. I just wanted to comment that it's great seeing someone who knows what they are doing helping Freddie. Great job 👏

[@TheWurks]

Thank you and thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@dgbourdon1325]

Bang on dude....top man!

[@clayfarnet970]

Almost 10k subscribers. 👍👍👍

[@bobbluesbarker]

I had a Reg/Rec on a 1050 Sprint that broke down to ground when it got hot, so replacing that is no bad thing. Whilst you're on the electrical checks it may be worth checking the ignition coil too. My missus has a 2004 Bonneville T100 that she's owned from new and one of the only issues we've had with it was the ignition coil breaking down, which caused it to run pretty rough. Once replaced, the bike ran fine again.

[@TheWurks]

Yeah will definitely consider that pal, thanks for watching and commenting too!

[@stevefleming4450]

This is a great video.. really enjoying this.

[@davidmuir6849]

Fantastic,thanks for sharing

[@vespasandengines]

Good to see progress with the bike. Just goes to show, when there’s a will there’s a way. Not to bash anyone, but just makes me slightly angry when garages tell owners to buy a new bike when it can be fixed.

[@stevecambers3190]

The elephant in the room here is, what was the other garage messing about at? Telling Freddie this bike was effectively a write off?

[@AndrewLynch9]

That’s what gets me

[@dirkdiggler5164]

I've seen these engines go north of 60,000 miles without complaint. Maybe even more, but I just haven't heard. Triumph, I think, didn't want a repeat of their past poor reputation for reliability on the flagship name BONNEVILLE and almost went overboard building these bikes strongly. Just look at all the waterproof goop they put in the electrical connections; the Bonneville has TWO oil pumps for godsakes. I've never seen another engine with 2 oil pumps.

[@nigelcox7477]

Good work… patient, logical & knowledgeable. That’s all the Bonnie needs - bring her back to life!

[@allanapplin250]

Great informative video. Thanks!

[@TheBlibo]

Its good to see that you are confident that the bike will be back on the road it just goes to show that the other people who looked at the bike dont have the experience to diagnose a problem keep up the good work

[@WonhoTraveler]

Some real wizardry you got going on i feel like i am a wizards apprentice amazing stuff! Could you do an electrics 101 for us mere mortals💙

[@TheWurks]

This is certainly on my radar now, although I am far from an expert in the field. What I do know I'm more than happy to share...

[@neilt7191]

Freddie Dobbs brought me here 👍🏼

[@TheWurks]

Thanks for coming across, hope it was worth the journey ;P

[@neilt7191]

@@TheWurks definitely.

[@iancharlton5530]

Top work Freddie’s trumpet will breathe again

[@daveb1242]

Nice one bud, keep going 😀✌️👍

[@songkok7hitam]

awesome, love your explanation!

[@Indie-Ste]

I will be glad to see Freddie’s surprise when he rides it for the first time! Keep going!

[@BobfmBali]

Don't understand a great deal but excellent content all the same;sounds like your getting a bit of a fan club 👍

[@cliveomahoney4096]

If reg/rec is the problem, which is a basic electrical problem. Why is it a bottomless pit of money and man hours to diagnose? It's really scary for all of these electronics packed new bikes. Good vid. Thanks

[@Steve-Chapman64]

Great to watch you at work. Proper mechanic at work.👍

[@justme3898]

Brilliant. Can't wait for the next upload

[@rickasker]

Superb video Joe, your explanations are clear and concise and they are very enlightening. I agree with the other guys on here suggesting you could make a few videos on use correct use of a multi metre to test the various systems on bikes, I’m sure a lot of folk would be very appreciative. Your explanations are top notch 👍 Keep up the good work.

[@TheWurks]

Much appreciated!

[@robertmackenzie5850]

You know your stuff Joe . Just shows getting it to the right person solves the issues. I think Freddie showed get his bike serviced with you in the future

[@michaelstanley7742]

I know from experience that the wiring around the headstock can have issues on some Bonnies, worth keeping an eye on for chafing and wear from steering movement.

[@markhinde6187]

Great progress, I am looking forward to the next one.

[@J_BONDMI5]

Well done Joe lad. Enjoying your investigations 👍 Dave K

[@maxw576]

Good diagnostic work! A perfect example of why mechanics need to do a thorough visual inspection. I upgraded my vintage honda regulator as a precaution. Fyi for those not familiar... The old regulators shunt additional current from generator through them causing a hotter regulator and more potential for generator coil failure. I wanted to protect the generator coils.

[@petewarby7158]

New to the channel after finding you through watching Freddie Dobbs, enjoyment watching how you're making your way through logically. Hopefully doing this will also promote you, your business and your channel!

[@johnparsons4941]

Good lad. what a pleasure it is to watch a confident mechanic. freddie should be well pleased the bonny is in safe hands great work .