Motorcycle Repair: electrical probs, ebay auctions, jumper cables

Question
Bill,
I was having trouble with my 1976 Honda CB550f. It was not charging the battery properly when taking out on rides. I read through my Haynes service manual and found that I made a rookie motorcyclist's mistake and hooked up the battery on my bike to my car battery while it was still connected. It said that doing this would most likely destroy my rectifier.
I took the battery off to recharge it after purchasing a replacement rectifier as instructed but made another rookie mistake. I went to start the bike using the jumper cables from my car battery and reversed the leads. What all would I have damaged by doing this? Is the bike junk now? (please don't say yes as it is a beautiful motorcycle) What will I need to replace or have checked to get the bike running properly again? I know electrical probs can be complex but I'd appreciate any help you can offer.
Thanks Bill,
Matt

Answer
Matt, mistake #1 can damage the battery and wiring if left on for very long.
mistake #2 probably took out the rectifier and perhaps the regulator.

You need to inspect and test each piece of the system...

Stator windings...usually not a problem, but check the plug connector for corrosion.

Field coil, mounted inside the stator is usually okay unless the bike has gone down on that side and damaged the outer case.

Rectifier can be tested with an OHM meter, by checking for continuity on one direction and a near open in the opposite direction, testing diodes to ground and to the hot output post.

Regulators have a fine wire resistor on the back that may be fried or the points inside may be damaged from either #1 or #2. Hard item to test without the rest of the circuit functioning.

Go to www.electrexusa.com and download some troubleshooting info or to the www.sohc4.net site. If you didn't smell smoke or fry any wires, then you may just need to replace a few components. NEVER jump start m/c with a car battery... and of course never hook jumpers up backwards....

Check Ebay auctions for shop manuals or go to www.helminc.com for factory manuals.

Bill Silver