Alternator Problem

[holdthepickle66]

Attention Brethren of the Third Wheel, I am new to the world of using vehicles that require a helmet, so I am need of help. My battery seems to not be charging as I ride. So, my question is how do i go about checking that? My dad is much more versed in this than I am and he tells me it is called a generator, not an alternator. Any help at all would give me more information than i have now, so anything is appreciated. Again, I am very new to this so forgive me if this sounds like a dumb question...

[Gorilla]

Attention Brethren of the Third Wheel, I am new to the world of using vehicles that require a helmet, so I am need of help. My battery seems to not be charging as I ride. So, my question is how do i go about checking that? My dad is much more versed in this than I am and he tells me it is called a generator, not an alternator. Any help at all would give me more information than i have now, so anything is appreciated. Again, I am very new to this so forgive me if this sounds like a dumb question...

Welcome aboard glad you joined us. First nothing against BTW but we are not them nor are we associated with them. A lot of members of this forum belong to that Association would be the only connection. Our group is call TOI (Trike Owners International) with TrikeTalk being our forum.

If you remove your generator you can take it to an auto parts store that tests them. They will let you know if it works. Also look for wires that may have come loose. There will also be a voltage regulator that could be the problem if the generator is good. To involved to try and teach you how to do the trouble shooting. If you are game purchase a manual for your motor and follow the instructions on doing the tests. You will need a VOLT/OHM meter. Good luck

[holdthepickle66]

Thank you very much I will try that as quickly as I can...also, I apologize I did not even consider the similarity to what I said to BTW when I posted...thanks again Ill get right on that

[Ol' Grey]

Welcome aboard! In agreement with Gorilla that it could either be the generator or the voltage regulator.

Couple other possibles to keep in mind are a battery in need of replacement or an idle speed set too low. If it's a traditional battery, they can last 3 yrs. on average, for a maintenance free battery, maybe 5 yrs. on average.

If you have a digital multimeter, you can set it to 20 VDC and with the battery cold and the bike off, touch the positive/negative leads of the meter to the corresponding terminals on the battery. You should get a reading of at least 12V, with 12.7V being more desirable. Then fire up the trike and let it idle. Do the same check at idle and the readings should be within the 13V + range, fluctuating by a point or two. This would be a pretty good indicator of a healthy charging system.

I just did some catch-up maintenance on a young lady's bike, she's a new rider and has only put 300 miles on her bike. Her battery was replaced only a few months ago. Checked the voltage with the bike off and it read 12.3V.....not bad, but not the best, either. Then started the bike and checked it at idle and the readings had dropped to within the 11V range, but still fluctuating within a couple points, which was a good sign. Even without a tach on hand, I could tell that her idle speed was way under spec just by ear. Turned up the idle speed until it was reading within the 13V + range and all is well again. The low idle setting is probably what caused her previous battery to give out since it wasn't offering enough juice to recharge the battery while riding.

Again, your's could very well be generator or voltage regulator........just a couple more possibles to consider is all.

Before I forget, if you're testing the readings at idle and if the readings go all over the chart, like 13.2V then 12.4V then 13.9V then 11.6V, etc....that would tend to indicate a bad voltage regulator. Same/same if the readings just kept climbing........12.7V, 13.2V, 13.8V, 14.5V, etc..........