[allienfuel]

I am new today to this forum, been watching the site for a while though. I have a 86 gl 1200 i just got from my bro. It has a issue, will not start unless jumped, even with fully charged battery. I just changed the stater connector(the plug by the battery).still had to plug into a charger. Once it starts runs fine. charging 14 volts at low idle, but drops to around 12.7 above 2500 rpm. Is this normal for this bike?? My 82 gl1100 does not act like this at all. Any info would be great.

 

[Ron Robertson]

Might try cleaning all the Battery cable connection including the negative cable where connects to the frame. It's a place to start.

 

[Cantankerous]

The voltage regulator may be bad. I won't say the stator, as it charges at an idle. How many miles on the bike?

 

[Eric]

The voltage regulator may be bad. I won't say the stator, as it charges at an idle. How many miles on the bike?

You took the words right out of my mouth. I just replaced the regulator a few weeks ago. I was having the same problem. Eric

 

[detdrbuzzard]

check both the regulator and the stator, the stator shouldn't produce a charge until 2000rpm, less than 2000rpm you should be running on battery power

 

[allienfuel]

Voltage regulator can be easily replaced cheaply, I'v heard a stator is not so cheap or easy, they say if that connector by the battery fails it will fry the stator, well it was well on it's way. but seems to me if it was bad it not charge at all. So since it is charging at low idle I'm hoping I saved the stator. I believe the bike only has 55,000 on it or at least that is what it says. Really don't know any history on it past a year. A year ago my bro bought it local (Sacramento valley, Ca). The guy he bought it from said he hadn't had it very long, so who knows. I think I will do some more checking before I replace the reg

 

[allienfuel]

BlackBull that is almost word for word what the local bike shop told me today. $1,000 - $1,500 if i take him the bike. Around $500 if i take him just the motor. Around $350 in parts & i do it. If i go as far as to take the motor out myself why wouldn't I finish the job and change it myself?? Any special tool to change the stator?? I hope I don't have to as I'm still testing. I strongly believe in verify then repair. I have a complete shop manual for my 82 I'm sure the test procedure is the same as they use the same stator thru 88 at least. I'm praying I don't need to pull it. But it is what it is. If it needs to be done I would rather do the work. #1 my labor is on me (that & I'm a poor boy). #2 I feel better riding a machine that I know. One reason I think I like my 82 so much. after the crash we got to know each other quite well while I put her back together

 

[allienfuel]

Congrats on the 08, nice upgrade!! I feel your pain keep her or let her go?? I have gave that some thought. My 82 and 86 share my shop. I am still working out the bugs on the 86 so I still ride the 82 all the time. Since the 82 and I have a crash history that we have recovered from, I have told myself I would keep her around even if it is just used as my fishing ride. Maybe on down the road who knows (sshhh don't tell her that). But seriously thanks for the advise, at least I got a glimpse of the path ahead!!

 

[detdrbuzzard]

you could look into getting a poorboy kit for your 1200 wing

 

[allienfuel]

This may be a dee-dee-dee moment, but what do you mean poorboy kit??? what is it??

 

[Cantankerous]

This may be a dee-dee-dee moment, but what do you mean poorboy kit??? what is it??

It's an after market kit that puts a small GM alternator on top of the engine. It's driven by a belt off of the crankshaft. The last time I checked, they were about $800.00.

 

[detdrbuzzard]

It's an after market kit that puts a small GM alternator on top of the engine. It's driven by a belt off of the crankshaft. The last time I checked, they were about $800.00.

you must have someone installing the kit if it cost that much. the last time i checked with don the kit was about $200 but don does not supply the alternator

 

[Cantankerous]

you must have someone installing the kit if it cost that much. the last time i checked with don the kit was about $200 but don does not supply the alternator

Wow, I really fat fingered that! It was supposed to be $300, as that is what they are listed on eBay for.

 

[allienfuel]

Welcome to ******* America. I'll have to look into that. still around $300 in parts huh cost about the same to fix it right just gotta pull the motor

 

[detdrbuzzard]

Welcome to ******* America. I'll have to look into that. still around $300 in parts huh cost about the same to fix it right just gotta pull the motor

there is no need to pull the motor to install a poorboy kit cause the alternator is driven off the front of the engine

 

[allienfuel]

Well I followed the book I got continuity between all three stator wires and nothing to ground. book said that's good. My battery is week it drops under load so i'm gonna pick one up tomorrow. I think my regulator is having issues, so my ? is. will the reg work that i pulled off my 82 gl 1100 parts bike. They look the same wiring colors match up. I heard the basically used the same system up about 88. i figured i would swap what i have before blowing $150 on a new reg that what my local shop said

 

[budoka]

As long as that regulator matches up to the needs of the 1200 vs 1100 you should be fine with it. I had a voltmeter on my 1200 and that saved me more than once from being stranded due to a weak or failed stator.

 

[allienfuel]

Great news!!!! combination of weak battery and a fried regulator, stator is good!!!! System seems to be working as it should, what a relief. Now well see if starts tomorrow, but so far looks good YaYYY. Thanks for the help everyone. Now tomorrow i go after the rear wheel it needs a tire for sure and it seems to have a bit of side play. I was told this model has a problem eating up the housing the bearing rides in ruining the wheel. + i got all kinds of lights on this thing i really don't need, the lower light bar i drag around turns it's gotta go. I need to find a hitch that will mount up.