charging ?

imported post

ed m, note that temperatures out of the range of 65 F have a bad effect on lead acid cells. Verify all individual cells on the battery with a multi meter. When fully charged each cell should be the same around 2.25VDC. Since each cell is hooked up in series the voltage will be about 13.5.

During charging and depending on motor RPM and battery load voltage will varry from a high of 15 V to a low of 13.5. The battery has a nominal voltage of 12V but actual voltage swings from around 10-15 volts.

Over charging boils the H2O part of the electrolyte so only add pure water if the level is low. Clean the main terminals and do not grease them up. Verify that both the pos. and neg. cables are clean and in goog shape, no burns, no stiff wires, no missing strands.

A fully charged battery should start the bike at least 4X. Excessive starting current will drain the capacity of the battery and not only cause a dead battery a a very low voltage, so low that ignition voltage will drop.

The battery in size is from 20aH to 50aH, depending on its construction. All the primary cabling must be clean, tight and able to carry 100 A in order to start the bike and maintain a full charge from the alternator. All the secondary wiring must be just as good to properly control the primary circuits.

So routine electrical maintenance is as important as mechanical. All wires, connectors, cables, nuts and bolts, lights quick disconnects must be maintained...no ifs ands or buts. Older wings when they have deteriorated electrical components show symptoms of poor starting, poor charging, poor running and most owners blame things mechanical and spend far too much time chasing after the wrong thing.

If the bike is maintained as well electrically as mechanically, the operation of the older wing is flawless apart from its inherent and designed -n flaws. But these built-in problems are easier to live with than a bike that you simply do not enjoy and trust.

Remember that a 30 year old wing ages, structurally, mechanically, electrically as well as in looks. Look at every area.