Battery, alternator or voltage meter?

[Helmetbox]

Took my bike out for a 1000 km ride today, notice that I'm having irregular charging. On a average with the headlight on, the voltmeter shows 13.3 and without 14v. However today, I notice that the voltage shows a drop to 12v and even 8.9v while riding for a few second and back to 13.3v.

Can anyone advise what went wrong? Alternator or voltmeter?

 

[Helmetbox]

My ride is a 2008 st1300

 

[sofawizard]

poor connections are possible get a volt meter on it and see

 

[NuHondaGuy]

Yes, ck all connections especially ground at battery

 

[tkhelm]

I resolved a similar problem with a spray can of electronics cleaner applied to all connections, plus some dielectric grease to keep the corrosion from coming back.

 

[Helmetbox]

Hi all, thanks for the prompt response.. Appreciated..

 

[Helmetbox]

Hi guys, does the wd 40 or GT85 works? Can't seem to find any electric cleaner.

 

[ST1100Y]

Hi guys, does the wd 40 or GT85 works?

Not ideal, will help only temporarily... ACF-50 seem to work great on protecting electrical connections and modules like PCBs...

 

[Helmetbox]

Not ideal, will help only temporarily... ACF-50 seem to work great on protecting electrical connections and modules like PCBs...

Ok. Thank you.. Hope no major issue as I am still 1000 km away from home.

 

[Firstpeke]

Specifically you should check the battery negative lead connection to the frame, also the battery terminals and those to the starter relay and the connections to the alternator for tightness, corrosion and cable integrity.

Also check the fuse in the starter relay and the high and low current control wiring to that......

If these are okay, check the earth cap and ground connectors under the tank for corrosion/integrity.

 

[tkhelm]

Hi guys, does the wd 40 or GT85 works? Can't seem to find any electric cleaner.

I got my can of QD Electronic Cleaner at NAPA Auto Parts.

 

[Helmetbox]

can anyone tell me what is the voltage of the bike when the bike is running on idling with headlight and without headlight on using a voltmeter to test directly on the battery?

Thanks in advance.

 

[st1300r]

Don't know off hand but that's probably gonna vary depending on your exact idle speed.
As you increase the rpms though you should see in the neighborhood of 13.8 to 14.4 or so don't remember the exact numbers.

 

[ST1100Y]

IIRC 12,6V (idle) ~ 15,0V (@ 5000rpm), with a charged battery showing a minimum of 12,6V while ign. is OFF.

 

[Helmetbox]

Thanks all for the information. Just check mine. Looks healthy. 14 on idling with headlight off.