Electrical Problem...........Solved

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Does anyone know of an auto electrician in the Swansea area?
Got a problem with the bike
Bike (xj600N Diversion) runs great and battery holds charge ok. Battery check shows charging around 13.5 volts when engine running and increases when revs are up, but when riding with headlight on battery drains fairly quickly (after riding for an hour) and not enough juice to turn over and start after a stop. The headlight does get slightly brighter when revving the engine but nowhere near what it should do.
Could it be a relay problem or something more ?
I'm at a loss

[UK Bike Forum Member]

I'm not sure if it's different with bikes, but on a car you would normally be looking for around 14.1 volts while charging.  I would suggest getting the genny tested.

But I aint no expert 

[UK Bike Forum Member]

You really need to check the condition of the battery,i.e distilled water,if your battery runs down quickly with the headlight on its definitely battery trouble,how old is the battery,check terminals,for build up of deposit,this will effect its charging capability.I bet it needs topping up,then a trickle charge to hit its peak.

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Put a new battery on about 2 months ago a gel type. Everything works ok and conections are clean. Horn is nice and loud and indicators are bright, it's just the headlight thats the problem and when on drains the battery. Also warning lights (neutral, signal light are slightly dimmer) when H/Light is on.

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Try here, this is all you'll need.

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[UK Bike Forum Member]

Many thanks Steve.
Will get on to it this pm. hopefully this will narrow it down and even fix the problem.
An afternoon in the garage me thinks 

[UK Bike Forum Member]

If its a new batt and its still not holding a charge .

Batt drain from from a accessory or a bad earth / dead short causing high resistance and batt drain.

 

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Battery holds charge normally, can ride the bike all day without lights on. It's only when I ride the bike with dipped h/light on do i have the trouble. It's gotta be a short in the h/light wiring somewhere me thinks. will untape wiring harness  on weekend to check . 

[UK Bike Forum Member]

At last it's sorted!
It was the regulator/rectifier in the end. Went to see Rhydian @ Banner m/cycles and got one off a gsxr750. (same wiring but a little bigger physically) . Can ride with my lights on now

[UK Bike Forum Member]

Glad you got it sorted 

[UK Bike Forum Member]

got the same problem awaiting new rectifier