In this case, it is possible that even though your alternator/stator windings may be of the right resistance, there could possibly be a bad electrical contact.
At the current which the alternator provides (assume 1.5-2 amps), even a 0.5 ohm increase can cause a voltage drop of 0.75-1 volts. Maybe its time to look at the wiring/contacts?
rectifier shot - help!
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kar_the_terrible
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TechTMW
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- My Motorcycle: 2005 BMW R1200GS
- Location: Alexandria VA
If you own a multimeter and hav a familiarity w/ the wiring on your bike, I can give you the rundown on testing the alternator ...
Try another mechanic - one you know is skilled w/ electrics. Alot of techs never really learn any electrical theory, the just look at the book like any DIY'er.
Try another mechanic - one you know is skilled w/ electrics. Alot of techs never really learn any electrical theory, the just look at the book like any DIY'er.
“People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.”
- Soren Kierkegaard (19th century Danish philosopher)
- Soren Kierkegaard (19th century Danish philosopher)
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kar_the_terrible
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On an unrelated note, I just moved to Pittsburgh (for the summer) and Im simply droolling over all the classic bikes I see on the road everyday, early 70's honda's and yamaha's. A guy from work also took me to a dealer who deals exclusively in 60's 70's japanese motorcycles.....*sigh*
'78 Yamaha XS400
'86 Yamaha Radian
'86 Yamaha Radian
'71 R5B problem
Thanks again everybody for your responses. 
I can get hold of a multimeter and i have the (original) owners workshop manual, but i don't have alot of experience with the electrical side of things. In fact i'm not confident and worried i'll make the problem worse somehow. If it is the alternator windings, is that expensive to fix or should i try to secure a replacement part? What to do...what to do...?
By the way, Kar there's a guy near me who rides an early kwaka Z1000 and man, this thing is awesome-puts my R5B to shame. Know what you mean about the classics!
Shall report again.
I can get hold of a multimeter and i have the (original) owners workshop manual, but i don't have alot of experience with the electrical side of things. In fact i'm not confident and worried i'll make the problem worse somehow. If it is the alternator windings, is that expensive to fix or should i try to secure a replacement part? What to do...what to do...?
By the way, Kar there's a guy near me who rides an early kwaka Z1000 and man, this thing is awesome-puts my R5B to shame. Know what you mean about the classics!
Shall report again.
electrical problem on R5B - request help checking alt.
Well, I've borrowed a multimeter. I'd like to take up TechBMW's offer of assistance on how to go about testing the alternator please. Even though I'm not all that knowlegeable I figure what I am gonna really do that the mechanic wont?
This is a real pain in the a**, 'cos i have to drive my wife's car to work and leave her stuck at home until the bike is fixed!
Patiently waiting...
This is a real pain in the a**, 'cos i have to drive my wife's car to work and leave her stuck at home until the bike is fixed!
Patiently waiting...
that rectifier problem
Just a quick end note to close the whole rectifier problem. The 'mechanic' i was dealing with insisted that the recitifer was shot, but couldn't fix it even with a replacement part - hopeless.
In the end i took the bike to a specialst who had the problem sorted and fixed in TWO DAYS!.. It was the regulator not the recitifer.
Needless to say I've spoken to my old 'mechanic' and told him what i thought of him. Then i gave him the flick. He's lost my business forever.
Anyway, the bike runs like a dream again and I'm one happy little motorcyclist!!
p.s. again, thanks to those thoughtful people who posted replies to my request for assistance - you are special.
In the end i took the bike to a specialst who had the problem sorted and fixed in TWO DAYS!.. It was the regulator not the recitifer.
Needless to say I've spoken to my old 'mechanic' and told him what i thought of him. Then i gave him the flick. He's lost my business forever.
Anyway, the bike runs like a dream again and I'm one happy little motorcyclist!!
p.s. again, thanks to those thoughtful people who posted replies to my request for assistance - you are special.