Suzuki FXR150 Wiring Problems

[notsoplainjane]

Hey, I've owned my 2000 Suzuki FXR150 for a couple of months now, bought a new battery for it just after I got the bike but it keeps going flat. It seems like the bike isn't keeping the battery charged, (something to do with the alternator?), so I called my local bike shop and they say there has been a problem with the wiring with this make/model and to check it out on the net.
Has anyone had any similar problems? And is it fixable without spending a small fortune?
Any help would be hugely appreciated, it's my first bike so am still learning about it, cheers.

[Flyingpony]

Firstly Welcome to Kiwi Biker,

I've not had any electrical problems with mine, but have seen some for sale with 25-30km done and they had them replaced. Depends how many Km yours has done.

There is a known wiring fault where the wires rub against the chassis frame. This point is located underneath the handle bars. Have a look around there at all the black coloured wire bundles and fix any wires which have had their insultation stripped.

There are some other general motorcycle reasons for the battery not getting charged, but I've no experience with that stuff, so will leave it for the more experienced members to arrive to help answer your questions.

[geoffm]

Some generic trouble shooting
check the voltage across the battery with the motor going - a cheap digital multimeter is an essential for this job. Should be around 13.5v. Down around 12-12.5V means your not getting any juice from the charging system.
Trace the wires from the alternator. They should come out from under the rotor and into the regulator/ rectifire. This is usually a metal box with fins on it. Haven't seen a FXR close up, so I don't know where they hide it. Check the voltage coming out of the box. Should be 13.5ish V
Some bikes are 3phase AC alternatore, so you have 3 wires coming into the regulator. Check for juice
Make sure the regulator is well grounded if it uses the frame as a return part of the circuit - look for corrosion etc.
I hate electrical problems. They can be a pain in the butt to fix.
Geoff

[notsoplainjane]

Thanks for your assistance so far.
Luckily I work for an electrical firm so will get the boys to check with their multimeter thing lol Still getting used to the technical terms..
Will get back to you if I'm still having a problem, Cheers.

[notsoplainjane]

Oh Flying Pony, mine's done just over 18,000kms...will that make a difference?

[Flyingpony]

Oh Flying Pony, mine's done just over 18,000kms...will that make a difference?
It could be but that was something I've noticed while watching Trademe sales.

Either way, your charging system should be checked to see where it's failing. I'm sure who ever will do that shall findout quickly if it's the generator or another cause. Sounds like somebody at your work place would know how to.

[notsoplainjane]

I got one of them to check out all the connections, battery etc and we have concluded that it must be the alternator that isn't kepping the battery charged. Cheers for all your help, looks like it's off to the bike garage for it!

[SuperDave]

Gotta love that kickstart ;)