Motorcycle Repair: motorcycle repair, regulator rectifiers, grit sandpaper

Question
Falcon,
A girl friend of mine is having problems getting her bike cranked thought it was out of gas but seems like the battery is not holding a charge and maybe starter problems.  Its a Virago.
Got any ideas Thanks Scott

Answer
Hi Scott.
 First thing, your girlfriend has a great bike if it is one of the "real" Viragos (700/750/900/1000/1100).

 The XV series has one annoying problem, though.  That is in the starter.  However, in this case, the problem may not be in the starter motor.

 If you can push-start the bike, then do so and put it up on the centerstand.

1)  Test the voltage across the battery terminals.  It should be reading 13 - 15 VDC.  Any less, and the stator needs replacing (regulator/rectifiers are NOT known for failing, but stators are).

2)  If you are getting good voltage, then check the battery fluid with a motorcycle battery hygrometer.  If the stator is charging properly and the battery is not holding a charge, then you have one or more bad cells in the battery.

3)  Check the charging system for shorts or anywhere that there could be a grounded hot wire in the charging system.

 Those are the only things that would reasonably affect the charging system.

 The starter motor is real easy to remove and disassemble (and reassemble) for cleaning and service.  The repair manual has diagrams of the assembly and testing specs for it.  If the contacts inside are dirty, then clean them with a small piece of thousand grit sandpaper till they are shiney copper color again.  If the brushes are worn too far, they are inexpensive and simple to replace.

Good luck.
FALCON