| Author | Message | ||
     Scott_in_nh |
I've done the testing per the service manual and what I could find in the KV and am just looking for a 2nd opinion on the results: caveat- I do not have a load tester, so I could only do the testing that used a multimeter. 1) milliampere draw test- 0.00 (shouldn't the draw from at least the clock have shown up? my meter is a cheap one but appears to be working normally). 2) stator check from socket to ground- infinity of both sides. 3) stator check from socket to socket- 0.00 ohms so this is where I think I have a bad stator. 4)AC output check- well within spec. This is where I get confused. If I have AC voltage going to the regulator, isn't the stator working and the problem is in the voltage regulator? 5) I've checked all of the connections I could find, battery seems fine, bike is otherwise running great- ran a 11.82 friday night even though the slow starting had begun (I barely, barely made it home from the track with a candle for a headlight by the time I pulled in my driveway and it died as I pulled into the barn!) | ||
| 5liter |
Did you check to ground for the VR? | ||
| Tunes |
Checking your alternator with a multi-meter can be confusing. I usually just check the AC output... and you state it's within spec. On to the voltage regulator... Place your multi-meter across the battery terminals to read DC volts. Make a note of your battery voltage before you start the bike. Start your bike. Rev engine to 3000rpm. Meter should read 13+volts. If it does not, replace voltage regulator. $70 at Buell dealer. I just replaced mine last week. '99 S3T w/21K miles. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
If the stator is putting out the correct voltage AC, then your regulator sounds like the missing link. Check all of your connections to the regulator, including the chassis ground wire. Hopefully, there is just a bad connection somewhere. | ||
| 5liter |
My VR went out at about 25000 miles. I have an LED volt meter on the bike so I caught it before I had any problems. The ground wire connection on the back of the VR was hard to get off. Had to tap a socket on to it to get it loose. It's a self tapping screw and there's not much room to get the socket on it. Tried a nut driver, but it was on there real good. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Voltage starts at 12.75 with a freshly charged battery and goes down from there. Where is the VR ground located? I see it in the diagram, but couldn't find it on the bike. 5liter, I had the VR unbolted but did not see any self tapper as you describe? I guess I should look again. I did measure resistance from the body of the VR to the chassis and it zeroed out.... Thanks guys | ||
| 5liter |
Mine was bolted to the back of the VR. Unbolt the VR from the bike and it should be there. Did you disconnect the VR when you tested the stator? | ||
| 5liter |
The wire comes out from the bottom right of my VR. It goes right into the wiring harness. I had to go look to make sure and there it was. Kind of hard to see if you're not looking close. (Message edited by 5liter on August 13, 2006) | ||
| 5liter |
Mine is an 02 by the way. Yours might be wired differently. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Got it, I pulled it off again and loosened the wiring enough to turn it around completely (the 1st time I was just looking for frayed or broken wiring), it's connection was fine. Rechecked the bullet connector again and figured I'd try it one more time. Hooked up the clips for the meter, started it up and no change. So VR it is. Then I did something careless, I was disconnecting the clips from the battery when the positive clip moved and came in solid contact with the batter strap- in the less than the 1.5 seconds after the spark that it took me to pull it off entirely ( I was on the other side of the bike) the mounting strap was glowing red AND THE BATTERY CASE CAUGHT FIRE!!!!! holy cow, I've never had anything like that happen before, luckily with out power it cooled and I actually blew the fire out..... I cannot believe how close I just came to losing my bike (it is insured)!! It looks like it might just be cosmetic damage to the battery or now I need a battery too but, umm, I've had enough fun for today..... | ||
| 5liter |
Good time to take a breather.  | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
No kidding, grabbed a couple of beers and dropped the kayak in the river at the end of my road. Went for a nice paddle, hit the rope swing, and feel much better now  No harm done, could have been ugly!! | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
So what is the Harley PN for the VR? Seacoast Harley is a lot closer than Manchester Buell....It should be the same $70 bucks right? | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Ok so a little more digging around indicates that 99 and up use a Buell specific part correct? I have the service manual, but not the parts manual, can somebody give me the correct PN please? Are any aftermarket units available for 99 and up? | ||
| 5liter |
This is out of my 2002 parts book. P/N 74567-98Y. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Thanks! Manchester HD/Buell is open late tonight and say they have one in stock $89.95 though..... | ||
| Tunes |
Scott - Did you pick up the VR? As a BRAG member, you should get a discount that will drop the cost to around $70. So, what are your results? Did this fix your bike? I live in Nashua... we should go for a ride. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Unfortunately, they sold the VR they had at Manchester! I should have paid for it when I had them on the phone....My fault really. $10 in gas to drive out there for nothing (ok, always fun to look at bikes). Al Fitzgerald was very apologetic and was willing to drive the part out to me on Friday, but I have the kids this weekend and family vacation next week- so it was easier for both of us to just order it from Dave S..... I'll update when I get the part, thanks for asking! I would definitely go for a ride with you, we'll have to look at the week after next though. Have you ever considered taking it to New England Dragway? Scott (Message edited by scott_in_nh on August 17, 2006) | ||
| Tunes |
Running my bike at the track? Never thought of it. I don't think my S3 would do well since it has a tall first gear... and I don't like to run my bike like that... Roll-on's and point-n-shoot from corner to corner are more my style. My XB12s on the other-hand... I'd run that. It would do well. That bike flies. I'm always around to take a ride. I know the area heading W/NW from Nashua very well... and I'm sure you can show me some roads around the coast. Ok, when the time comes, we'll ride. On yet another electrical problem... anyone know where I can buy just the ignition switch for a '99 S3T? The set, keys and locks for ignition and bags is, gulp, $250. Just the ign, if they had one, is $175. My switch is faulty but has not failed. I would like to prevent any down-time by installing an new one, now. The parts dude tried to cross-reference the part with an HD ign. He never got that far. I think he was kinda new. Anyway, any and all help is greatly appreciated! | ||
| 5liter |
Tunes: Check Ebay. That's where I found my replacement Ignition switch. | ||
| Bad_karma |
Tunes few years ago my ignition switch failed on my 99 S3. Bought one from local buell dealer. The switch was matched to my bags and steering lock. Joe | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Running my bike at the track? Never thought of it. I don't think my S3 would do well since it has a tall first gear... and I don't like to run my bike like that... Roll-on's and point-n-shoot from corner to corner are more my style. My XB12s on the other-hand... I'd run that. It would do well. That bike flies. Either bike would be fine, but I would bet the S3 is easier to launch! I've gotten mine down to a 11.82 and have done a 1.74 60'- you will have a hard time finding better times posted on badweb by any stock XB's! Next weekend should be good for some riding.... | ||
| Oldog |
I've gotten mine down to a 11.82 thats haulin! How do your times stack up against 600 rice? | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Hey oldog, it all depends on the rider and age of the bike- older 600's never were much if any quicker. The bike, on the right night, has a 11.7 in it if the rider can pull it all together. I bumped the rev limiter twice on that 11.82! Last time out I was going neck and neck with a guy on a ZRX-1100. Obviously a quicker bike, but I would cut a better light and put anywhere from 2 to 5 tenths on him to the 60' mark. He then had the rest of the track to chase me down, sometimes he did, sometimes he didn't! Same goes for guys on 600's especially if it is their 1st time. Of course the guys who can ride them are gone and run in the high tens! For those who cannot, it's a damn good lesson for them that spec sheets don't mean squat if you cannot ride the bike to the limit- and I am more than happy to teach it to 'em  I wish you all could see the look on their face when we get back to the pits and they take their helmet off ![: ]](http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/clipart/proud.gif) PRICELESS | ||
| Tunes |
I found my paperwork!! '99 Buell Voltage Regulator P/N Y0302*F ...and I must have had the number 7 in my head cause I paid $80 with the discount, not $70. Sorry! Ya, I know I can order an Ignition Switch from the dealer. I was just hopin' someone had installed an HD switch for shorter money. I checked eBay also. Nothing at this time. Also, I may have an Ignition Relay issue instead of an Ignition Switch prob. As mentioned, if you have many keys or weight on the key fob, it could reduce switch life. The only thing I put on my motorcycle key is a ring so I can snap it to my belt clip. So, based on everyone's experience, I shouldn't have an Ignition Switch issue. Being an "older" rider, I frequently out-ride sportbike riders I come into contact with. I have to give credit to the classes and instruction I have received from those who race bikes. Smooth riding is the key that was stressed. I also have to give credit to my Buells and Nortons... two motorcycle brands that have always stressed "turning" as opposed to brute hp. These bikes, because of the way they were designed, make me a better, smoother rider... and I thank them for this. I went on a long, backroad ride last year with friends who ride japanese sportbikes, like Hyabusa's, GSXR's, etc. There were 8 of them and me on my XB12s. When it came to the few long straight-aways we rode, they kicked my rear-end but, when it came to corners, no matter how hard they tried, they could not keep up... And during our stops throughout the day, they kept asking more questions about my bike. The turning ability and "that damn Harley engine" had them perplexed. How could this combination out-perform their bikes?! As Scott put it, the look on their faces was priceless. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
so the VR came in a few days ago (thanks Daves), but I was at Six Flags with the kids, so today was the 1st chance I had to put it in. I took off the afternoon and put it in, checked the voltage, everything was good so off to the track I went- to the tune of a 11.75 | ||
| Oldog |
11 second Scott  |
