QuestionFalcon:
I have a 1981 Yamaha 650 Special. I am the original owner and it is in great shape excepting for a most recent problem. My battery will no longer charge on the bike and I need to trickle charge it to go 30 to 50 miles or so. I have called all Yamaha dealers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, including prive motorcycle mechanics that they have recommended. I have found no one who is willing to even look at it, citing no access to parts or mechanics are not familiar with the bike. They do not want me to even bring it to their shops, even.
It could be something relatively simple, (not a fuse, however), but they won't even look at it. In that, I have kept this bike up, like I said it's in top shape, it runs beautifully, I am shocked that Yamaha will not look at it.
Any ideas, any suggestions as to what may be wrong or what to do?
Gordon Taylor
St. Louis Park, MN
AnswerHi Gordon.
Considering the fact that dealerships love to seperate a customer from his money, I am suprised that they don't want to look at your bike.
I can tell you this, though. The 650 Special has a reputation for breaking down a lot. Many owners do not experience this problem, but also many do. More than any other Yamaha. What you are describing is a very clear indication of a charging system failure. Almost always it ends up being the stator coil.
Test it this way;
1) Check the charging system for shorts between the stator and the battery (use a multimeter for this and refer to the repair manual for bench test proceedures.
1a) Check the battery with a hygrometer to test for bad cells. If you find any replace the battery.
2) Start the bike and let it idle.
3) Connect a multimeter to the battery leads and read the VDC output. It should be 13 - 15VDC. If it is less that 12.5, the stator is shot and needs replacing.
You can order repair manuals through the dealership (normally) or online at www.repairmanuals.com or www.jcwhitney.com
Let me know what you find.
Good luck.
FALCON
