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Yamaha Virago 700 Charging Issues

  • 17-02-2013 06:37PM
    #1
    annanukian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3 ✭


    I have a 1988 Yamaha Virago 700, which is giving me the most unusual charging issues. I installed a brand new Alternator, a Brand new Battery and a Brand new Rectifier and despite all this, the bike battery continues to die swiftly, this year I managed to get a whole 5 days riding before it finally died again. I don't have a multimeter and even if I did I wouldn't know how to use it to test the charging system. can anyone help me out here?

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Comments

  • #2
    miller50841
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭miller50841


    What sort of trips are you doing ?
    Is the battery the correct amp/h type.
    Do you leave the bike sitting up if yes then buy a trickle charger.


  • #3
    KamiKazi
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 6,194 ✭✭✭KamiKazi


    Silly question maybe but are the terminals on your battery connected tightly & un-corroded?

    I had a loose connection and it looked exactly like a charging issue but a very simple fix.


  • #4
    annanukian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3 ✭annanukian


    The bike is ridden from lusk to blanch and sometimes tallaght and the city centre. all connectors are clean, Battery is a 16Amp the proper battery required, I have a trickle charger which seems to see the battery more than the bike does. Usually I don't leave it sitting up for more than a day or two if I can help it. I have checked all wiring and cleaned all connection points and still it's dying.


  • #5
    two wheels good
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,952 ✭✭✭two wheels good


    Good that you use a trickle charger - a standard car battery charger would charge at too high a rate and soon ruin a new moto battery.

    Testing really needs a multimeter. They're not so expensive and a good investment and not complicated to use.
    But without a meter:
    1) Can you ride the bike for half a day with the headlight on and then restart it without problem? If so the charging must be okay.
    2) I'm wondering about a current draw on the battery. Does the bike have an alarm fitted?

    To check a current draw without a meter I would suggest disconnecting the battery ( disconnect at the negative lead or pull the fuses) when the bike is not used for a day or so. Then reconnect. If the battery now has held the charge and the bike starts a current draw is likely. Now you just need to find it!


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