XL 600R money pit ?

[fallenoff]

I've got a 600 trail bought recently without a battery, when I got it home and checked the voltage there's only about 8 volts output from the alternator and when revved the voltage drops to about 6volts.I've measured the resistence of the alternator windings and they're just about within spec.Has anyone had problems with these alternators, and where's the cheapest place for a replacement.

[xrv_jim]

Probably a daft question but is it a 6v system? A lot of early 500/600's were I think.

[fallenoff]

hi, this one's a 12v.cheers.

[Krtek]

What year is it? Mine's from 1986.
I can't help you with addresses, but I can tell you that I rewound my alternator coil and it did a lot of good, made starting much easier.

The alternator coil sits in the hot oil, which doesn't do it much good in the long run. So a replacement migh be in order.

But if you're going to call the bike a money pit just because one part may be about to give up the ghost, maybe you're expecting too much for a bike of its age?

[fallenoff]

thanks for the reply k. the bikes about 1983 [ italien import]. I've taken out the stator and the ignition coil looks burnt, and it doesnt look possible to rewind it myself, and my local rewind shop turned thier noses up at it.Where did you get yours done. I called it amoney pit when I was quoted £250 for a replacement just when my gas and electric bills arrived oh well.

[Krtek]

I did it myself, but then I had the luxury of knowing someone with a machine for rewinding coils, made from a sewing machine engine. Very clever.

Any addresses I could give you (if I had them) wouldn't do you much good anyway, they'd be on the wrong side of the ditch

Perhaps you could find a used coil somewhere? I have a spare, but since we have two of those bikes at home, I'm keeping it... sorry

[fatowl]

It is possible to get these things rewound for a reasonable fee, but I'm afraid I don't have any addresses. Have a look in the back of motorcycle mechanics, or MCN. They usually carry ads.

[Jenna]

Electrex do a replacement for the XL...

http://www.electrexworld.co.uk/#6283X0

[fallenoff]

Ta all for the info. I tried rewinding by hand but no luck, however elextrex may have one at a good price,thanks Jenna.

[Herb]

In the USA, there is a place called XR's Only, which you can find on the web. I don't know if they ship overseas, but they can do the work. I also highly recommend their temperature gauge dip stick. It is nice to know when your bike needs a little rest on very hot days.

Is the XL600 a money pit? Yes, and worth every bit!

Herb
1983 XL600R