Motorcycle Repair: Lost Power, 2002 honda vfr, bench test

Question
Falcon: I own a 2002 honda vfr that is currently out of commision. A few months ago it began to need a periodic charge in order to work, but since late May I have been unable to successfully start the bike, even after charging the battery overnight. I heard honda issued a recall on the alternator for this model, yet I am not sure how to test whether the alternator is at fault. Can you make any reccommendations for my next course of action to diagnose and eventually repair this problem. thanks, Kellen
kellenss@usc.edu

Answer
Hi Kellen.
 To test the stator, you need the bike running.  There is a bench test that you can do, but you need the repair manual for that.

To functionally test the stator, start the bike and, using a multimeter, check the voltage across the battery terminals.  It should be showing approximately 13-15VDC.  If it is 12 or less, the coil is bad.

In addition, if a recall was issued, then you should check into it.  You may end up with a brand new coil for free.

Good luck.
FALCON