thanks for the info Jim, very helpful, although I hope I never need it.I finally got my '98 ST1100 started after doing a bunch of work on it, including installing a new Chinese alternator.
So far, so good. Some feedback for Martin's ( ST1100Y ) concern about the idle charging voltage.
With my low beams and two smaller LED spots on, idling at 1,000 RPM the charging voltage is 14.1 volt and two green LED's are on on my Kuryakyn LED voltmeter.
Idling with all lights off ( I added a switch so I can turn off the low beams ) , the charging voltage is 14.4 volts and two green LED's are on on my Kuryakyn LED voltmeter.
Idling with the high beams on and two smaller LED spots and two really big LED spots on, the charging voltage is 13.7 volts and one green LED's is on on my Kuryakyn LED voltmeter performed.
This is about the same as my original OEM alternator.
did you have an alternator failure on your '98??