QuestionI have a 2004 BMC Notorious 918 and it will not charge the battery. It also runs rich which makes me believe the ignition coil is not getting enough voltage to burn all of the fuel. I have replaced the battery and am hesitant to think that it is the stator. I think it could be the voltage regulator. Spark plugs are fouled and I've checked all the wiring and cannot find any loose connects or damaged wires. Please help me get this bike on the road!
AnswerHi Randy.
Unless the bike is using the infamous Lucas electrics, then the regulator/rectifier is not likely to be the problem. They do not, often, go bad. It will, most likely, be the stator. You will find that a rebuilt stator is as good, and cheaper, than a new one if cost of the stator is a concern. A regulator/rectifier is more expensive to get as well.
Check the stator in this manner;
1) Start the bike and let it idle.
2) Place your multimeter leads on the battery terminals and see what voltage you get. It should be no less that 14 VDC.
3) If it is below that and the stator is producing AC volts (tested at the stator connection before the regulator/rectifier) at or above 14VAC, then the problem is the regulator/rectifier.
Another way to see if the stator is shot is to open up the engine and pull the stator and look at it. Once you clean the oil off and look at it, it should be a nice coppery color where the coated coils are exposed for visual inspection. If they are not that nice "new wire" copper color, then the coil is bad.
