This a subject that comes up quite often. Before there is any blanket condemnation of early 650 electrical systems, any evaluation of a charging problem begins with re-charging the battery to 13.8 volts and have it load bank tested. For me, I don't use voltage readings, I prefer to use an ammeter. A shunt works well but not having one, connect an ammeter (range of at least 10~20A) to the battery negative post and the cable end. Hold the cable end firmly to the battery negative post while starting and after it starts and runs, separate the cable from the battery. at this point all current will be flowing through the ammeter. If you use an ammeter that shows current flow in both directions, at idle it will show a discharge and start to lessen as you approach 2500 RPM. Above 2500 it should show a positive charge rate. The longer it runs in a charging condition, the charge rate will lessen. That is because the battery voltage is returning to full charge after being somewhat drained from the high current draw of starting. At some point it will stabilize at a 2~3A rate. This is the first test of a charging system. Should it not perform in the manner described, further examination of components will be in order. In short (no pun intended); recharge the battery to full and have it load tested, use an ammeter to check performance of system. # never try to start the engine with the current flow through the ammeter...poof ! The results of this procedure will indicate what further testing is needed. IMHO, the 650 may have a marginal charging system but it can be managed.
--- On Mon, 9/7/09, joey1980 <[email protected]> wrote: From: joey1980 <[email protected]> Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] battery problems bike wont start after long ride To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <[email protected]> Date: Monday, September 7, 2009, 10:58 AM i have a 1983 nighthawk cb650 ,i have a new battery.but everytime i charge it go for a long ride come back turn off the bike try to turn it back on...battery is dead.all trough the ride i was able to to start it 3-4 times.i checked it with a metter by putting the red on the positive on the battery and black on the negative side of the battery and it reads 11.80...but when i rev it it goes up to 12.3..after the ride it read 9.8 and dropping.whta could it be do.do i have to chang my alternator. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
