Motorcycle Repair: Alternator, honda hornet cb600f, stator coils

Question
Hiya,

I realise that you may not be able to help me but I am working on the hope that tat least the basics of the honda CB series are somewhere near the same but if you cant help dont worry.

I have a Honda Hornet CB600F - 53 reg and the alternator has gone.  I have ordered a new one which has been delivered today.

I have to attempt to fit the bloomin thing tonight after work but I have absolutely no idea where to start.  And no idea where it is on the bike.  

Could you please give me a couple of simple directions to get started?

Cheers,
Jo

Answer
Hi Jo,

It's interesting that you know the alternator is bad but you don't know where it is...  Are you relying on someone else's diagnostics?  This could be risky.  The alternator is usually on the end of the crank, and consists of a stator (wound with wire) and a rotor (also wound with wire) The battery voltage is measured, and if it is low, the regulator puts a current into the rotor windings, which makes it magnetic.  This 'magnet' then generates a current in the stator, which is used to charge the battery and run the electrical items on your bike.  So for the alternator to work, you need a functional regulator, and good rotor and stator, and a battery.  How was the alternator diagnosed as bad?  Only way is if the rotor coil is open, or the stator coils are open.  Usually the rotor has brushes to make the electrical connections, and they do need replacement regularly.  The brushes are normally in the alternator cover, which is the outside cover on the engine, where the connections go to.

Hope this helps,  Jan