? Charging issue...

[usmalenurse]

Took a little day trip last week and about 20 miles from home I noticed that my voltmeter was not working. It is one of those that just lights from amber to green and it was not on at all. I stopped beside the road and shut the bike down, turned the key several times and restarted it with no problem but the voltmeter never came on. I decided to continue a little farther and after about 5 miles it came on and was showing that it was charging as normal. To make a long story short, we continued the trip and put in about 275 miles with the voltmeter continuing to go out for a while, then it would come on for a while. I tried to notice if it was when I hit a bump in the road or something, thinking that a wire might be lose but really didn't correspond with anything that led me to believe this was the case. Voltmeter was either on and charging or completely blank with no light at all. I rode the bike to work and back the next two days without putting it on the battery tender and it started fine both days. However on the first day the voltmeter continued to go off and on as before. The second morning the voltmeter came on but was showing as amber and not really appearing to be charging. Didn't make any difference if I revved the engine or not just 2 little amber lights showing. The bike started fine when I left work and the voltmeter came on like normal..showing that the bike was charging fine...2 green lights and if I turned the driving lights on it dropped back to 1 greens which is where it normally runs. I have checked the wiring; nothing lose anywhere; fuse is fine and checked the alternator over the weekend and everything seems to be working nicely now. The bike had been on the battery tender for several weeks prior to the trip last week and just wondering if it could have perhaps overcharged the battery and caused the issue with the voltmeter? I have "played" with it all weekend and the voltmeter has not missed a beat and everything appears normal now?? Just confused as to why the voltmeter wouldn't work at all, then go and come like it did and now everything back to par.

[cushman eagle]

Have you thoroughly checked the wiring to the voltmeter?
It seems like the meter is not receiving a steady current.

[usmalenurse]

I didn't take the meter apart but all the wiring from it to the bike seems to be intact. If it acts up again, I'll remove it from the bike and check it out....or replace it all together. I just knew there would be a loose wire somewhere but couldn't find one...

[cranky]

... have you checked the scoot with a volt meter to make
sure you do not have a problem???!!!! Scoots can be very
forgiving... right up to the time your standing be the road!!!

[Mr Jensee]

First off we need to know where you attached the volt meter onto. Was it the battery directly or just somewhere in the wiring. If it is the to the battery it could be nothing more than a loose connection. If in the general wiring then you have a more serious issue. How old is the bike? If it isn't charging then it could be the alternator. If you have a really good battery then it could still supply the bike with electricity for a while if the alternator is cutting out. It could also be the ignitor going bad. So check the wiring first, make sure if it is attached to the battery which is should be, that the connections are good. BTW a battery tender cannot over charge. It usually is only running at 1/2 to 1 amp at all times. When the battery is at full charge it will stop charging, only showing a green light.

[usmalenurse]

Did check it with a voltmeter and the alternator checked out ok. The voltmeter is attached to the battery. Haven't been able to find any wires loose anywhere. It is a '97 model but I'm not sure if it's the original alternator. Had a box of "extra" stuff when I bought the bike and there is a alternator in there. So I don't know it has been changed or not. Everything seems to be working fine right now...if it acts up again I think I'll pull the alternator and get it checked out better. Planning to go to the rally next month...don't need anything to hinder that trip!

[Mr Jensee]

BTW when you do save yourself some time and have both checked out. Alternator failure is something that happens to a number of Voyager XIIs.

[usmalenurse]

Me and the missus rode down to Myrtle Beach to check out the bike rally today and everything still working fine. Voltmeter working perfectly and even ran the driving light down and back home. Around 290 miles today and voltmeter never missed a beat. Think I'm going to take the "spare" alternator and get it checked out and rebuilt if necessary just to be on the safe side.

[usmalenurse]

Well, it's been a year since that post and the alternator went out on me 3 weeks ago. I was about 35 miles from home and just quit charging and died. It was on a Sunday afternoon around 4PM and the Roadside Assistance was of no help whatsoever, but I got it home the following day. As usual I had neglected to get the "spare" alternator checked out and I took both to an alternator shop and both were bad. What I thought was worse was that she informed me that she couldn't get the parts to repair it but would have to replace with a new one. With visions of the >$1000 price tag on cheapcycleparts.com for the complete alternator, I was in panic mode. Got the replacement for $200 and good to go now. Not sure where she got the alternator but it came with new wiring (didn't use). I did have to use the coupling from one of the old ones but didn't have any problems with that. Got it back together yesterday and rode yesterday afternoon and today and everything looking good right now. I may have her order another one just for a back up......but knowing me, I'll probably put that off too....

[lucky13]

Hey. Just read your post concerning your alternator. There is a guy on ebay; "blelectrical". Sells new ones for the xii . Based down in the U.S. where you are. priced at around $140. Hope that helps. Ashman

[Molalla+Voyager]

I read the thread,
with great interest cause it's gonna happen to me also.
Found this Company on the web, they sell brand new alternators, starters, and starter repair kits
pretty reasonable:
https://www.dbelectrical.com/products/k ... 92-95.html
Question....How many spare parts to carry is enough?
Steve

[cranky]

I only carry a spare speedo cable, I like my speed control....

[VoyKimmer]

I carry a spare speedo cable also and a spare relay, tie raps, small tool kit, tire plug kit. Doesn’t take up much room.

[cranky]

... all that and a Slime 12V air compressor, spare headlight, coolant, and all the
stuff I've long since forgot!!!!!!! GBG

[Van Voyager]

I'm a big fan of the tire inflator and sealant in a can. No need to carry a compressor or patch kit. Twice I've had flats where a can of this stuff got me home - once on a bike with a tube.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/fix- ... 5075p.html

[GrandpaDenny]

I carry a tire plug kit and a USB rechargeable air compressor. I also carry a piece of wood for the side stand in soft conditions.

[SgtSlag]

Rather than wood, I would suggest a square, metal, electrical outlet box cover. They are cheap, galvanized steel, and they have holes drilled into their corners already. I tie a Zip-Tie to one hole, for a handle. I keep it in the top compartment of one of the saddlebag covers. When needed, I pull it out, and put it down for the side stand to rest on. Works great. Use a longer Zip-Tie, and you will be able to lean over, sitting on the bike, and grab the handle, to put it away!

Here is a round unit, from Amazon. Mine is square, and galvanized, rather than powder coated. May need to pick one of these up. Hmmm... Cheers!

[GrandpaDenny]

Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. Thanks!

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

I have seen a few riders use a crushed soda/beer can under their side stand also. It's simple, the larger the surface area the less chance of the kickstand sinking.
Personally I have a "hockey puck", side stand disc I got at the New York rally back in 2010 I think. I've also come across another one at another rally (one is orange the other black). The orange one I have a length of neon green elastic cord tied to it. Long enough to lower it while on the bike, use my foot to push it into position and lean the bike onto it, then stretch the cord up and hook it onto the left handlebar. Can't miss it or forget about it since it's around the grip, if I do forget it will come right back to me as soon as the bike is upright. It wraps up and fits into the saddle bag lid compartment with room to spare.