| Author | Message | ||
     Dblhaulxb9s |
Hey, long time since I have posted. I have been building a 77 XS650 cafe racer. Anyway, I am having a problem with my electrical system that doesn't make sense. While I am riding when I accelerate and off and on, my lights get dim and then brighter again. It doesn't seem to be at regular intervals. All fuses and diodes are secure. Also a couple times recently the bike has refused to start, not like there isn't enough juice, but like there is no power at all, then it comes on and starts like a champ. I thought it could be my voltage regulator, but I checked DC volts to the Batt and everything is within spec. Any ideas. Thanks in advance, Morgan | ||
| Sshbsn |
Up front I tell you that I know little about electrics. But--my GMC was doing the same type of things and I found a bad connection at the battery terminal. It would usually work alright, but occasionally would give weak, or no, power. Say, got any pics of that XS650? | ||
| Reepicheep |
I had a buddy with a 2000 Honda XR-650, and it had the same thing as you with the starting. Lots of things could cause what you describe though. I finally tracked it down to a cold solder joint in the kill switch (like that straight from the Honda factory  ). If you are not familar with cold solder joints, they can happen when the wire you are soldering does not get hot enough, or was not cleaned well enough. It will be mechanically fastened (you can't pull it off) but won't have a good electrical connection. You can sometimes spot them for looking for a dull matte or mottled finish on the solder bead (not really oxidized, but more.... bumpy). If the bead is excessively round, that can be another tip. A well done well heated solder joint should be very flat and thin, and have a nice smooth finish (even if it is oxidised). When in doubt, just slap a soldering iron on all the connections you can get at, especially if it has a big round glob of solder on it, and reheat them until the solder "flows" over both parts being connected. | ||
| Freyke |
how about a flaky voltage-regulator? | ||
| Bomber |
I have my own XS650 (actually, TX650 -- 74 only model) flat tracker (resurrected next year, perhaps?) . . .. . they eat brushes like crazy . . . . .after checking all the normal stuff, connections and al, just go ahead on and replace the alternator brushes (easy, five minute job . .. . aks if ya need some help on it though) also, weneed pics of that scoot! | ||
| Hootowl |
I pulled in to the parking garage this morning with NO SPEEDO AGAIN! I was just about to shoot the speed sensor, the guy who designed it, the guy who decided it should be powered by 12 volts, the guy who made the 5V regulator that was in line with it (me!) and anyone else I could think to blame, when I realized that the ODO and the light was out too. I gave it a tap, and it came back on. Looks like I have some corrosion to clean. | ||
| M1combat |
The generator? I think Bomber's right on with the brushes suggestion. My friends 76 Sporty is doing the same thing ATM and we've traced it to the generator. Pulled it out and cleaned it up last week and it "helped" but didn't solve the problem entirely. We pulled it again last night and he's going to take it to a local shop. | ||
| Dblhaulxb9s |
Thanks for the help, I will be checking it more thoroughly soon. Here are a couple pics of the XS 650  | ||
| Dblhaulxb9s |
PS, it is for sale. |
