QuestionHi Jeff,
This bike is out of your answering criteria but I thought you may have heard something similar with the '84 or '85 model.
I have owned a '83 Nighthawk 550cc since 2001. It intially needed carb. work, a new starter and some electrical wiring work. I store the battery indoors during the winter, but every year or 2 at best I seem to have to buy a new one. Again, this year I bought one in May and for the next month and a half it fired right up before I could get my thumb off the starter button. Put on battery tender every week to make sure the charge was kept up.. a month an a half later near the end of a weeks charge, it starts hard starting even to the point where I need to pop start it to get it going. The voltage in the battery is 12.5 idling and as high as 13.25 (the repair manual spec is 14-15V) with 2500rpm with a full charge on the battery. It seems the battery runs down if I let it sit in the bike for awhile, hard starting begins and the headlight runs dim at night ONLY when I brake and pull in the clutch to downshift through a few gears to turn. Also if im out on the bike all day, the 5th or 6th start can be a challenge. It ran NICE in May with the new battery, seeming to have MORE! power etc. When it began hard starting, the bike would CUT OUT at all way stops and red lights at idle.. I dont know if its a charging system issue while the bike is going, or if somehow the bike is losing juice while it sits so right now Im disconnecting the battery when Im done riding. Any insight into this problem will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
AnswerHi Andy,
These older Honda's are certainly known for having poor charging systems, aren't they?
I hate to say it, but it 13.25 Volts is not enough to keep the battery charged. Its close, but it needs that 14-15 Volts to charge it, and even then I recommend using a float charger in between rides.
Now, it doesn't sound like its the Regulator/Rectifier, but you should consult your manual and test it too. The most likely culprit is the Alternator. Be sure to test it.
Some other 'must checks' when dealing with electrical gremlins are:
- Go through all of your connectors, disconnect them, clean with electric contact cleaner and connect them back. I use the kind that leaves a protective coating when it dries.
- Check all your grounds. Disconnect them, go over them real quick with some sand paper to make sure they are getting a good metal on metal contact...and make sure they are tight.
-Also have a look at your fuses and your main fuse and make sure they are good.
-Last, keep an eye open for exposed wires and replace any that look suspect.
It may seem tedious, but its worth it in the end.
