Motorcycle Repair: Honda CM185T Voltage, honda twinstar, drip tube

Question
Bill,

 I have a terrific low mileage 79 Honda Twinstar that was returned to the road two months ago after years of indoor storage (4,300 miles when acquired).  I did what was necessary to revive this little Honda and have really enjoyed it.

QUESTION:  If my near new battery is dead and now leaking acid from the drip tube when driven and am experiencing power loss.  Would this be indicative of a voltage regulation issue?  If yes, how do I correct the problem on a 185cc 6 Volt system who's alternator is described as "self regulating" and does not have a regulator with the stator like later 200cc models do?

HISTORY:
  Several days back my new battery was dead.  Bike still drove well although the headlights beam varied according to the rpm's.  After about 5 more days of driving the bike smelled like something was burning.  Just as I was arriving home the motor began loosing power.  In the garage I left the motor running to see what I could find.  
   What I found was battery acid dripping out of the overflow tube at a pretty steady rate.  This made me believe that the voltage regulator had gone bad and had overcharged the battery.
   Checking my shop Manuel I was really disappointed to find that for the two years the Twinstar had the 185cc motor Honda used a stator but no voltage regulator, only referring to regulating voltage as "self regulating".  I see that in 1980 forward the 200cc models added a voltage regulator with the stator.

   I have quite a bit of experience wrenching on cars but very limited experience digging into motorcycles.

Thanks for you assistance Bill!

Answer
Dave, You'll have to start with replacing the rectifier.... and probably a new battery again. Boiling the electrolyte out of the little battery is a death sentence in most cases. Your ignition system runs off of the battery, so as it was dying so was the power to the coil.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cm185t-twinstar-1979-usa_model7279/partslist/F++14.ht
#24

Check all the electrical connections for cleanliness and a tight fit, along with all the harness and battery grounds.

In the old days, Honda did create charging systems that were basically a "balance" system where the charging system would maintain a fully charged battery, but not really "charge" a dead/dying one.

If the problem persists, you might have to add a current regulator

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-75-HONDA-XL350-XL350-VOLTAGE-REGULATOR-RECTIFIER-6-
Ebay number 280805867021 for example.

The 1980 models went to 12v and a reg-rectifier for better voltage control.

http://www.electrosport.com/technical-resources/diagnosis-center/fault-finding-g will provide you with more detailed troubleshooting action steps.

If you continue to experience difficulties, you might try calling American Honda to see if they have any archived technical service bulletins on this model. If you have a long-established Honda dealer in your area, they might have access to information, as well.

Bill Silver