Motorcycle Charging System: Bad Regulator/Rectifier

[@k1ckyscotland988]

Very concise and easy to understand explanation.Been riding,building and restoring bikes for over 40 years but elecrical stuff is still witchcraft.

[@erichoutman8803]

Cody I use to be a auto technician and couldn't agree more with you. Very knowledgeable about teaching people the basics in a practical way.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks Eric!

[@panasync2134]

I have spent the last several days seeking and watching charge system videos. As for your video..... BRAVO!! Keeping it simple and straight forward is a plus.

[@Alien5700]

Cody, thank you for ALL your instructional videos on the motorcycle charging system, stator, regulator/rectifier, & battery. Simple, to the point, and easy to understand. They have helped me understand & diagnose my system on my 2003 Honda VFR800.

[@Greyman77]

Probably the most direct, clear and concise charging system lesson ever. Great job.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thank you!

[@Jimmy.C9]

It’s like doing an apprenticeship watching these vids. Awesome, really appreciate the content.

[@blinkerplease1936]

I really appreciate this one. This is a simple tip to diagnose this part of the charging system. Years ago I went through a charging issue and would have loved to have had this info. Thanks as always. Great Video!

[@Binks943]

This man is one of the most mechanically inclined people I have ever seen. Remarkable!

[@UtterlyAmazingVideos]

I successfully diagnosed and fix my bike's electrical issue thanks to this video!

[@amydebty4309]

thanks for this one ,my buddy's bike has been having this problem and all his biker buddy's were clueless.

[@joefletcher9552]

This just helped me solve a charging issue on my virago xv535 (and saved me a lot of cash!) As a total novice on bike electrical systems this vid was absolutely spot on. Cheers Cody!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Great job man!

[@thomaswarren2699]

Lovely looking bike- Looking at getting one. Any owner's advice you could give to a potential new owner? I'm guessing from your dialect you're British? If so, looking to sell? :D

[@triggerMB]

Working on a 79 Ironhead. Your video gave me a clearer idea of what I'm dealing with. Good stuff

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Nice!!

[@triggerMB]

Just installed new generator(talk old school technology!), and new regulator. The volts are right within your specs. Thanks!

[@spareparts7630]

Watched a couple of your vids to diagnose a non-charging issue on my 1984 Honda V65. Following your instructions I found that the older splices on the 3 yellow wires were bad. Snipped and re-soldered those connections. Tested my R&R and stator and we're good as new. 14 volts at 5000rpm. Instant subscribe!!

[@tadgriffin170]

I've got a paraplane with a 582 rotax that started giving me a warning for overcharging today. Slowly climbed to 17 volts within a minute or so of starting. Acted almost exactly as what you just showed. I just ordered a new rectifier/regulator. Thanks!

[@skeezle1337]

Thanks for the video! I'm pretty sure this is the problem with my bike. It's throwing an "over voltage" code. This is the only video I've seen so far that shows over voltage. Thanks again!

[@SBKPete]

Thanks for uploading another great video Cody; I really appreciate what you do for the motorcycling community 🙏🏻 You’ve saved me a small fortune, and it’s made me bond more with my bike. Take care

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks brother 🤙🏻

[@buxvan]

Cheers for your video. I think my reg rect is dead as I have voltage AC voltage going in , but no DC voltage coming out. Thanks.

[@DutchedShedBuilds]

Thanks for this lesson 👍. And the time and effort you put in!

[@pds4927]

AWESOME TUTORIAL! I’m from the Philippines and I’m a big fan of your channel. I’m learning a lot from you. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@JohnDoe-rx3vn]

Used this video to diagnose my sv650. Saved me a lot of time and batteries

[@taoisttiger4702]

Great video! I learned a lot, I'm new to bikes and my kawasaki zx10r died while riding the other day D: hopefully these simple tests will save me time and money instead of attacking the stator first

[@russellhueners8499]

It would be best to check charging system at a higher rpm than idle, reason, the break even speed is generally above idle on most makes , unless it is 3 phase. Break even speed is the RPM needed to replenish the draw of normal engine components when running, coil, lighting etc. It is just good practice, covers all types of charging systems. Great video, and will help those in need, thanks.

[@ronaldbarnard2802]

One of the best videos regarding motorcycle charging systems.

[@clarktferrill]

What's that in your earlobe..is this a transgender thing?

[@DIYOrganicLawnCare]

Very helpful. I’m struggling with my Cb750 lately. When I follow your instructions I notice my multimeter slowly clicking down. Then when I hold throttle it stabilizes it but doesn’t charge. I’m going to have to check the stator as per your recommendation

[@DIYOrganicLawnCare]

@@PercyJackson93 my stator ended up being good. I discovered that my wire harness had slightly melted for an unknown reason. (Resulting in poor contact coming from alternator. Fixing that and changing the battery did it for me.

[@justride372]

two thumbs up. This exactly what I looking for in diagnosing my Yamaha R6 battery leak. thank you from Ontario, Canada!

[@strider5453]

Cody, I’ve rebuilt, (with help from professionals), a 1993 Yamaha SRV 250. I’ve had an electrical problem since I’ve had the bike and can’t figure it out. Some of the ongoing symptoms have been low voltage to the horn, a tachometer that goes crazy, starting problems until I put it in gear and bump the motor, and I’m now on my third neutral switch. I thought I had the problem solves by repairing damaged wires but when I went to start it up there were again no dash lights or headlight. I tried to find second gear to bump the engine and pulled up on the shift lever and everything came back on! So I figured it’s definitely something in the neutral switch wiring. I removed the wire from, heat shrank the connector, and the bike ran. While riding the bike started to sputter so I thought I’d put some upward pressure on the shift lever and the bike began to run perfectly. Not only that, but the tachometer started working as advertised. I can’t figure that out. With the neutral switch wire disconnected, how could the shift lever, which is mechanical, have any effect on the electrics? BTW, the battery has no charging problems.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Wow, that pretty crazy!! Honestly... I would install a new wire harness 😆😆 I wish I had a more direct answer but that is tuff

[@DarkLinkAD]

Likely a bad ground, if not, you could have a + wire tap dancing on the frame.

[@ashrafkassam6087]

You are an excellent!!!!! teacher. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I have been going through batteries like flies. Bless you brother from the bottom of my heart. Hope to meet with you in person sometimes in my life: ❤ from Canada

[@CajunGreenMan]

This is awesome, very helpful for an electroidiot like me. Keep up the great work!

[@ginalimbrick]

Your explanation was so easy to follow. I will be tackling my system tomorrow and thanks to you, hopefully sorting out my motorcycle issue!

[@mattlindemuth4285]

This guy's a. Damn good bike mechanic and great explanation ... Good job

[@K0nst4nt1n96]

A Voltage Meter is a good addition to the other instruments. Its always good to know if its a silent problem that might lead to a problem in the near future. I did notice my rectifier going bad by having a not so good turnover by the starter. As i looked on the dc meter it was only charging at idle and not anymore with a bit more rpms. Could have run out of juice oneday and would have had to pay for the towing or even a new battery but i avoided that by beeing suspicous.

[@stevepowell7465]

Thank you!! I have watched several vids regarding the charging system BUT you have clearly explained the TROUBLE-SHOOTING aspect much better. I especially like going after the obvious FIRST; check the battery. You provide the right numbers and I understood that. SECOND, how much of a charge is coming in from the stater and WHY the charging number needs to be stable around 15 or so. You also explained why too much (like your example at functioning RPMs) is BAD! In the case of this Honda everything looks to the rectifier and you provided extra analysis of why you can't really go any further (closed system). Again, thank you for taking the time to Share your expertise! Well done!! :)

[@bigj200016]

Just found you. Good stuff. When a battery is overcharging, it becomes much easier to figure out. When a battery is not charging at all, that’s when it gets tougher. Could be anything in charging system and even a bad ground. Lastly intermittent charging issues generally lead themselves to be more likely than not to be regulator as well.

[@jordanblair5410]

This is a great well explained video! My new to me '07 Suzuki C90 w/5K miles puts out good voltage when cold (14.2 at idle), but when it warms up, I can't get over 13.6 volts at any engine speed, and I have to hook up my charger/maintainer after every ride. Does this sound like the regulator getting hot and output is reduced? The battery shows 247 CCA on the test when fully charged.

[@dodgecharger892]

I'm happy to find this video , it gave me more information on testing my 97 shadow vt600 . One week after I took it out of the shop and the bike does on me while I was riding home I hope it's just a faulty stator , but I'm definitely gonna test everything like it's shown here in the video

[@akbarhussain1767]

Thank you Cody,I've had a few small battery problems in the past week, I took my battery to the shop & all is well up to now,but,I'm yet to put gas in my Honda cbr1000 & actually run,I ran out of gas last week,take care friend & thank you for your Valuable information,Time & Excellent battery & charging video 🙂🙂🙂

[@dwhk]

Great video. Very practical and helpful. My '96 Africa Twin is undercharging and I'm waiting for the replacement rectifier to arrive. Hope that solves the problem.

[@LPCstm69]

Great videos thank you My issue is on 1980 Honda CB650. Bike not charging swapped out stator rotor and rectifier. Reading on 3 leads from rectifier .5. Diodes read good and directions tests on rectifier read good. Stator unplugged and running reads good and increases with throttle. Can there be an issue from rectifier to battery other than wiring? Everything else on bike works no other issues. Puzzled???

[@TheAxeman2112]

Great video!!! just an observation the shock mount bushing is gone and looks like its digging into the aluminum housing.

[@brucesturgeon4801]

Very informative video, you explain the fundamentals in a way that is easy to follow. Excellent delivery of knowledge.

[@kineticsavant2256]

Thank you for the explanation. Any idea what it means when the voltage across the battery drops when revved? The alternator seems to be working since the voltage increases to over 14 volts on idle.

[@abhilashp5123]

Since, I lost a battery due to a bad rectifier-regulator. I can say this for sure, thanks to you sir.

[@herkko61]

Very good diagnose tutorial to recognize a faulty voltage regulator. Totally explained. Thanks!

[@1dayu2]

My friend, I have been looking to get a tutorial to help with installing a new stator with a higher output and rectifier to change from ac to dc and installing a street legal kit. It was very informative

[@Sample_pumpkin]

I have a hyosung gv650 and I need to test my regulator and stator , ignition coil and battery your videos are so helpful

[@grumpycattom4998]

Great video 👍 My problem is that when adding some revs the voltage drops. The voltage comes back up when idle. Where should I start for fault?

[@K0nst4nt1n96]

Possibly a faulty rectifier. You could test the Stator too, it should measure around 50VAC between the 3 Phases. But most likely its the rectifier. It should deliver around 14.2 to 15 Volts.

[@maakamakana7007]

much appreciated..very helpful ...I will be checking mine. Like the last sentence about if 5000, 6000 8000rpm and only getting 13,5v then look at stator..so in one lesson I learnt about regulator and stator . thanks

[@chrisdimmitt7012]

Your my goto guy for working on my VT1100C. Thanks for the very easy to follow content

[@LordOfLogic]

Hi, I have a strange problem on my Magna. Short version of the back story. Instead of removing crabs and cleaning after sitting I dumped carb cleaner in the tanks and carbs until it finally sprung to life. A few times the "Starter seemed to stick." Then after she was running great. I was about to change the oil, and wham, she went lights out. I have a new battery. checked every fuse and ground connection I can think of. Easter egging a starter, ignition switch, start button is more than the bike would be worth whole. I have not electric what so ever after hitting the button.

[@osito021]

This video will help me with my 1985 Honda Shadow VT1100. Thank you.

[@CarsGuitarsARs]

Hey Cody, if my headlight and neutral light is dimming as it revs up, does that point to anything specific in the charging system?

[@joesphschramm3754]

I see he's quick to respond lol

[@homerdodd4264]

Great video's by you. All of them are very helpful. Wanted to ask you a question: even with a fully charged battery, if a three phase stator has low output on one phase, could it still cause the bike to sputter in the mid-range? 2000 Honda Shadow 1100 Aero. Stator is not shorted to ground, all three phases are continuous with each other. Two phases are at 4.7 volts, one phase at 2.2 volts. Bike starts and idles fine. Sputters around 3K rpm. Coils and wires replaced. Carbs clean and floats set. Fuel pump relay bypassed. Thanks !!

[@weslake47]

Informative vid.........shock absorber bushing looks like it's blown out.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Both are 👌🏻

[@bikersoncall]

I think you said this is pretty much the same on all or most bikes. What about a Harley Electra glide 2009, with high beam on , should it never put out roughly 15.5 volts regardless of the rpm? Also the high beam on is crucial for this test?

[@TheBlibo]

Hi Only just found you channel Great vid clear and concise diagnosis. Now let me guess after having never worked on a harley I recon they use permanent magnet alternators As do so many other manufacturers. Fortunately my old gpz900r uses a conventional car style alternator. I have noticed that quite a few bikes seem to have rectifier/regulator problems and the vast majority seem to use permanent magnet alternators. Just think how many cars and trucks are on the road and how few alternator regulator problems they have, why do you think that bike manufacturers use these alternators instead of a mor conventional style

[@Spartanshaq777]

dude this is saturday morning bacon! Great stuff!

[@nithinpavithran6509]

I recently changed my motorcycle battery but it ended up dead then I got replacement battery it catches fire I saw your vedio and it was very helpful I changed my regulator rectifier now it working fine. Thanks for info

[@rabnath]

Great videos that simply explain troubleshooting for noobs like me. Really helpful! 👍

[@daveco1270]

My Rick's regulator/rectifier unit charges a little higher than the stock reg and rec units did. (1975 Honda CB750.) The manual says it should only go to 14.75 over 3K , but the new unit will get to around 15.5 when revving over 3K. I'm assuming with modern batteries it's okay that it's charging a little higher than the manual calls for. I have a new Yuasa battery in the bike.

[@MrBerenguer67]

Thks four your excellent video I have a Piaggio Zip 2T other day I drive and same one stop me and tell me my rear lights is blinking after 2 days all my lights is blown front and rear I’m surprise my fuse don’t blown also when I drive in full throttle same times is cut don’t the speed what you think is my regulator fault thank you help appreciate

[@AutoClay]

I found this video by looking for stator testing, but watching it I realised you’re good. You know your stuff... so my question to you is: I have an Aprilia sr50 2st. Scooter that won’t start. bought it like that.. I rebuilt the top end, new rings head cleaned and new gaskets. New coil, new plug. Started for 5 mins then died. It’s a Ditech injection model Piaggio Motor but i can’t understand why it won’t run...

[@capitaldd5840]

Great video - thanks for posting. Well explained info , much appreciated. I was hoping to see the result of the rect/regulator replacement....did it solve the problem...? Thanks.

[@soulhunter8159]

Hi! I would love if you could answer a question! Why is the rectifier only outputting 9V to the headlight? It should be at 12v. The battery gets 14.3v. Is it the ret or could it be the stator?

[@billyfowler9220]

I did everything you said to check. I have a 750 shadow. Stator was bad and I put new one. Rectifier is 14.5 v at 5000 rpm at battery. My problem is I think now is that I have charged battery so many times that I think it might be bad now. It's charging but still can't get the bike to turn over but one rotation and the battery died out. Just would like your opinion on this if you don't mind. If I get to crank I can ride but can't crank back up if I cut off.

[@brianpaine-vl4nz]

Hey, very helpfull. Unfortunately I tested my battery with a meter, it said everything was good. I noticed a little bit of burned wire so I cut the contenters off and sodered them together. Tested again and the reg/rec is not working properly. I ordered a used one on eBay because I don't have the cash for a good one, and all the cheap ones have bas reviews. Now I don't know the orientation of the three yellow wires. Do I need to get a new stator or does the orientation of the yellow wires not matter?

[@walesam9129]

Hi. Thanks for this. In my case, as I rev up, tthe voltage drops, could that still be a rectifier issue?

[@Blenbkuqi]

Hi. First off all I want to thank you for the detailed information that you have shared with us. I have finally found the problem on my honda shadow. I need to ask you a suggestion. I ordered the new voltage regulator, but unfortunately it needs 2 weeks delivery time. My question is can I run the motorcycle with 18volts charging for 45min and then switch off the charging current for about 30 minutes and then reconnect. I mean can I do manually that the broken part on rectifier does automatically?

[@devilslide01]

Are those voltages the same across Honda motorcycles? I have an 04 vtx1300 .

[@timh2994]

Great great videos. How do you understand a temporary drop in charging voltage while riding? My USB has a volt meter on it so I get some real-time data.. Normally I see 14.5V while riding. Occasionally it drops to around 12.6 for a stretch and even the bike battery light comes on. . Then.... it pops back up after a mile or two. Battery tests while stationary seem just fine.

[@ChadwickRider]

Man, I really appreciate these videos! This was an excellent explanation of how this charging system works, as well as the risks and safety hazards. Subscribed!!!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Glad to have you Chad! 🤙🏻

[@pepelobos3325]

@@TheMotorcycleMD i noticed that my rear running light keeps burning out on longer rides even while on running my rear light is super bright. also, my dash lights are brighter than usual. my battery is charging, but what is causing that light burning or super bright?

[@MichaelVaughn-p9f]

I shur learned a lot about electric components from you, thanks and God Bless

[@Onelifeonedream2017]

I really fw your videos! I really appreciate the fact you're a Honda mechanic too. On Friday I'm going up north to the cabin where my new to me 1994 300ex (seen you had one too) to try and diagnose her selective starting issue.. lol

[@chrisowneroflonewolfproduc2028]

i'm gonna try shooting starter fluid into my carburetor but if it;s the regulator rectifier then i think that might be why my motorcycle which is a kickstart isnt holding a charge and just isnt starting. great video brother!

[@pauldowding8185]

Good tutorial, I hope you sold them shock bushing too because those are worn out.

[@douglasalanjones]

Thanks Cody - I heard that honda had a charging system that they only used for 2,3 years from 1983-1985 on the nighthawks.. I have one and was having charging issues. I couldn't figure out how to test if the Field Effect coil was turning the system on or keeping the system shutoff. Am I correct that those years had a system that honda parted from because of issues with their design?

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

100% correct. They got rid of that system near the end of the 80s it was a powerful system but failed constantly.

[@douglasalanjones]

@@TheMotorcycleMD - If mine fails again can I retro fit a different system on it? I ask cause I ended up swapping out the stator and the VRR at once and don't want to have to go through that again..

[@markhopkinsphoto7257]

Thanks for the video. I have a Suzuki Burgman 650. Just replaced the battery. At idle I am seeing around 14.5 V. At 3000 rpm it drops to about 14.2V. Should I be concerned?

[@yepyep27]

I’m about to order a new RR for my ‘90 Africa Twin. Saw over 17 at 4 grand. Boiled the las battery

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Good find!!

[@ambesa1]

Thank you sir.. my bike started with a problem recently, where i was riding, and my eletrical went out but the bike was still on and the headlights were still on but the dash,accessories, tail & turn signals went out. when i tested the battery with bike running, the voltage was running well into 17v. So i'm assuming the regulator went out.

[@neilallsopp3332]

Hi Cody, great video, that's got to be the clearest and best explanation of a motorcycle charging system. I've learned a lot from your videos keep it up buddy.👍.. Neil from Nottingham England

[@davidgreenfield220]

Great explanation of the electrical system

[@maxipower6932]

New to this channel. I am looking to buy a 2005 Honda shadow spirit that doesn't recharge or ruin batteries put in it. Great video!

[@marcness7330]

Excellent approach to one possible solution. I'm hoping that the R/R issue is what I'm dealing with, thanks for the excellent simple battery test to (hopefully) find it.

[@ImKronzr]

Literally best video on KZbin. Thank you so much

[@conversanopasquale3662]

I get and overcharging reading as the video shows. But the electrical check of regulator say it is ok. It is possibile?

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

If the charging output keeps climbing and never hits a ceiling then the reg/rec is not doing what it is supposed to do

[@davidk1579]

Thanks for video, I have a question, just bought a 1985 goldwing limited edition 1200cc with new stater, my voltage at 3000 rpm is 13.9 is that ok. Thank you.

[@jmotovlogs9717]

I have a 2002 Shadow Sabre. It's for sure got some sort of an electrical issue. Last ride I stopped at a store and it wouldn't start when I came back out. Did the old push start and got back on the road. a few miles later it cut out and sounded like it was running on 1 cylinder. No Power. Limped it along for a couple miles. (not a safe spot to stop) Got it home on a trailer. Battery is very low, and I checked the common issue connector from the stator to reg/rec. All good. As soon as this battery charges back up I'm going to do the test you showed in this video. Other than that any advice?

[@emfl4437]

Thanks for the video! Appreciate the tips. I am testing the charging system on my DRZ400. Thanks

[@theone2be33]

New Subscriber! I've got a lot of catching up to do with your vids. Watched this one and the one where you checked if stator is good or bad. Learned 2 new things today. Looking forward to learning more. Don't know why I'm becoming a motorcycle junkie. But i love it! 👍😎🇺🇸

[@jazu40]

Great video. I will check my readings. In the meantime, my bike had new battery but I didn't ride for 2 years. Now I have to connect battery to charger. It charges battery so bike can start no problem. I can ride the whole day. I can stop bike many times and bike start again. Next I go home, I don't connect battery to the charger and I leave bike overnight. Next day bike doesn't start 🙁. I have to connect charger again. What do you think is the problem?

[@jacob14163]

On a 85 honda nighthawk. If the regulator is bad will the bike not power on? Starter relay and all the fuses are good. Everything is connect properly but bike will not power on

[@nanotech2691]

I have a 2006 Yamaha R1 that is no longer charging the battery. I have already replaced the stator and regulator rectifier. The battery tests over 13V at aprox. 60 degrees F. The connections to the regulator seem to test fine, I've checked the 50A fuse and it seems fine. I'm wondering if it could be the wiring harness or the flywheel itself. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[@AlexZortOstrowski]

Great vid. Just fixed this exact issue on my '99 vt600. When 1 battery died early and the next one died within a couple months, I found the RR putting out over 18vdc at idle.

[@keikosman]

Sweet video! I tested the stator and the rectifier regulator. The stator is OK. The voltage trickles down from high 12V when I start and drops quicker when I increase the RPMs. I test voltage at the regulator positive and negative and the voltage is about 13.3V and it doesn't go up when I increase RPMs. I'm guessing bad rectifier regulator?

[@donaldwayne4219]

👍Thanks. Great video. Useful background knowledge and in depth explanations. Good details on range of voltage and the limits, even the correct setting for the multimeter. Very well presented in a manner that makes it easy to understand, Thankyou.

[@jeffgarbaas9278]

Great easy to understand presentation dude! Keep up great work...

[@marloheights38]

12.7. on my battery... Good or bad ??

[@topikleahcim9002]

Will that keep the high beam indicator light on?

[@Lumpappsofficial]

Awesome tut. Thanks! Question: I have a Suzuki GSX750 1981 And the rec/reg is probably faulty. I read a lot about the Suzuki ones being to small and that is why they overheat and die a lot. Can I exchange it with a newer one or maybe Honda. I guess my question is are all rec/reg the same? (Manual says 14-15.5 VDC at 5000 r/min with headlight on, same as you did in the video)

[@micheldavid9793]

Hey I have a question. I have a 1986 A Honda shadow 1100 Runs good when cold losers. spark when hot Wondering if you could tell me the problem.

[@andrewwilson2143]

A natural tutor. Thanks

[@johnbutcher2111]

Thank you man that's exactly what I needed to know rectifiers the problem👍

[@rbotdance]

You deserve more views! Very helpful

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

SHARE SHARE SHARE! Thanks for your support man! 🤙🏻