Motorcycle Repair: yamaha electrical, yamaha v max, motor cables

Question
greeting..i have a 1988 yamaha v-max that has a new battery..i take it on a 40 mile ride or so and the bike starts to miss badly and then stops. at this point there is not enough juice in the battery to start the bike or even run the fuel pump. i get it home and charge it and it is good to go. i let it idle and remove the negetive wire to the battery and it will run..it is getting around 14 to 16 volt to the battery. i dont believe the battery is being over charged. i was told the stator is ok due to it ran when i removed the neg. cable...thank you jeff

Answer
Hi Jeff,

There's no question here.

Get a copy of the service manual.

Learn about performing an output test on the alternator and testing charging system components.

Visit "www.electrosport.com" and follow their "Fault Finding Chart" for testing the charging system.

I suspect the problem may be a loose battery cable connection. Check the Positive and Negative cable fasteners between battery/ground/starter motor.

Cables must be clean and in good condition or current leaks and voltage drops may occur.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively