Motorcycle Repair: 1981 Honda CB900 C, honda cb900c, 1981 honda cb900

Question
My wife just picked up a 1981 Honda CB900C for me for our anniversary and when i picked it up my pant leg got caught on a peg and i tipped the bike, some of the fluid from the battery came out. I rode it for about 20 miles then it died and wouldn't start without a jump and wouldn't stay running for more than a few minutes. I replaced the battery, it started fine, i rode it for about an hour then parked it then went out for about another hour and when i got home it died on me again. I don't have much experience with bikes but to me it seems like it would be an alternator issue... any ideas? im taking it in a couple of days for new tires and im going to have them look it over.

Answer
Pete, these bikes are known for charging system issues. Do the easy checks like inspection of the alternator carbon brushes inside the right crankshaft cover. Check stator connector conditions and then do the troubleshooting chart at:

http://www.electrosport.com/technical-resources/library/diagnosis/fault-finding-...

and review the info here:

http://www.electrosport.com/technical-resources/library/known-issues/street_4550...

In most cases, if the brushes are okay, the stator is not grounded, and reg-rectifier doesn't appear to be burned up, then the rotor is to blame. Have them check the rotor slip rings carefully COLD and HOT.

Bill Silver