Charging system problem

[whynot]

Take a longer detour to get 10 miles each way and see if it makes a difference.

Good idea, might try riding with lights off for a bit as well

[btbloke]

The stopping and starting with the lights on is not an issue. The bike doesn't drain the battery starting it unless it takes ages to start. I presume it starts almost immediately like most alps. I have had to stop and start mine dozens and dozens of times while out laning and I never have a problem. It sounds like a battery problem,either the full charge is not actually getting to the battery or it's not staying there or getting out of it,if your getting over 14 volts at the terminals it's obviously getting there so must be a keeping it/releasing it problem. How's the voltage from the battery when the engine is not running and ignition off and how is it when ignition on? How old is it and does it have the right ampage to be right for the bike?
It could be numerous things. I would start by checking and cleaning all the earth leads,the ones on the engine,the frame and the battery,then the positive conections,the reg connectors and the main fuse and fuse connectors,you'd be amazed how a dodgy/dirty/corroded connector can affect the performance of a battery or a bike in the whole.
Does the bike have any accessories that could be draining it overnight,like sat nav,power outlet or starcom/autocom etc, worth disconnecting and see if they are the problem.

[whynot]

The stopping and starting with the lights on is not an issue. The bike doesn't drain the battery starting it unless it takes ages to start. I presume it starts almost immediately like most alps. I have had to stop and start mine dozens and dozens of times while out laning and I never have a problem. It sounds like a battery problem,either the full charge is not actually getting to the battery or it's not staying there or getting out of it,if your getting over 14 volts at the terminals it's obviously getting there so must be a keeping it/releasing it problem. How's the voltage from the battery when the engine is not running and ignition off and how is it when ignition on? How old is it and does it have the right ampage to be right for the bike?
It could be numerous things. I would start by checking and cleaning all the earth leads,the ones on the engine,the frame and the battery,then the positive conections,the reg connectors and the main fuse and fuse connectors,you'd be amazed how a dodgy/dirty/corroded connector can affect the performance of a battery or a bike in the whole.
Does the bike have any accessories that could be draining it overnight,like sat nav,power outlet or starcom/autocom etc, worth disconnecting and see if they are the problem.

It starts on the second turn normally, i just checked the battery voltage with engine off and its about 12.9 which indicates it's properly charged
I have two batteries, one old and one new, same type honda-Yuasa YZT12S MF
both batteries seem to behave the same.
I also just checked for any current flow from the battery with the ignition off, but that was ok as well.
I've not had a problem when on long rides or within a few days of long rides.
It has heated grips, a 12v socket and a fog/tail light but will run fine with all these going.

[btbloke]

I'll stick a meter across it when you pop up and check the reg as well,probably something simple.

[StumpyFingers]

It wouldn't be a loose connection somewhere would it?

[whynot]

I'll stick a meter across it when you pop up and check the reg as well,probably something simple.

Reg is brand new.

It wouldn't be a loose connection somewhere would it?

Good idea, will put it on the list

[Austin]

Stick an ammeter between the earth lead and the battery, with the ignition off anything more than the tiniest discharge associated with the clock indicates something is short circuiting somewhere. Don't start the bike like this though - it will probaly blow the ammeter.

For checks on reg/rec and alternator have a search on the AT and Vara forums. You should find a couple of links to web sites that tells you exactly what to measure where on most jap bikes.

[whynot]

Stick an ammeter between the earth lead and the battery, with the ignition off anything more than the tiniest discharge associated with the clock indicates something is short circuiting somewhere. Don't start the bike like this though - it will probaly blow the ammeter.

Done that already, no current in the circuit at all.

[StumpyFingers]

Check the earth lead and earthing points, a slight amount of corrosion could reduce the efficiency of the charging circuit.
It is more likely to be some silly little thing than a major component failure.

[alanvendy]

have you replaced the battery since replacing the regulator??? sometimes a knackered regulator will buckle the plates in the battery which will cause discharge.