Ducati alternator windings or should i say starting problem

It started a while ago. I would return from work, switch the bike off to open the gate. Try to start the bike and it would not turn over. The battery was flat, quick check and it was only 11 volts. Checked charging voltage on the battery terminals and only 12.2 volts. Less with the lights on.

Started to investigate the connections from the alternator and they are discoloured. Not a good sign. Although if its the issue then success. Tried cleaning all the connections reconnecting, checked voltage still no good.

Posts up on the Ducati site for help, Lots of advice, battery possibly, voltage regulator and alternator, stator etc.

With the help of a forum user, checked the output from the alternator by disconnecting the two yellow wires, placing a meter on the end and checking the output. Also to check the ohms resistance between each wire and to earth. The ohms values seem to be in range. 0.03 between each wire and no leakage to earth.......but the output is OK so that must mean the regulator rectifier is faulty.

Ordered a new one from http://www.electrexworld.co.uk/erol.html#1X0

Mike was brilliant, i had ordered a voltage regulator, forgot that the block connector is burnt and the connectors discoloured. Mentioned this and a new one arrived the next day in the post. If only all companies acted this way.

A few days later, the new voltage regulator back on. picture shows new connectors also with Mikes advice i solder the connectors. Took time to crimp the new connector. Checked the output and still not over 12.4 volts charging. I have made a mistake.

Now i phone Pat at Viking motorcycles. He tells me to check the output values with the workshop manual.

Check the values and i find....

The readings from the alternator should be only 0.2 to 0.4 ohms. Previous readings differ.

The output from the alternator should be

35 volts at 1500 revs

70 volts at 3000 revs

140 volts at 7000 revs

From memory i could only achieve around 20 volts on tick over and a maximum of 40 volts.......Now i wished i had taken time to read the manual and to discus the issue with Pat first. It could have saved me spending some money and trying to pinpoint the outcome.

moral of the story

take time to research the correct values and how to check. Save yourself some money.

i have to blame the japanese gs battery

After the ride home from work, 45 mile journey. Park up and try to start the bike. It would not turn over. seems strange that after a such a long journey, where it would have time to charge that the battery is flat. voltage is low, less than 12v.
charged the battery overnight and the following day it starts no problem.
a couple of checks with a voltage meter and the volts vary when the alarm is triggered. need to investigate further. seems as though the battery is faulty or the datatool alarm is draining the battery..

back to basics / tyre pressures

There is the feeling that with any fix, always start with the basics.
I looked at my bike and the rear tyre looked low. Touching the side wall i could tell the pressure was low. Next i turned the wheel checking the grooves and found a rusty nail.
The cause of my handling although now i still need to set the shocks as i have started to change the settings.
So, start with the basics is my advice. I assumed it was the shock rushed in and forgot to check the pressures. I guess one of the first things. Also my front tyre pressure is low. The biposto should be 2.2 and rear 2.4. I found only 24lbs in the front and 22lbs in the rear.
Vinny

Its dancing and it is not supposed to ! Handling / Weaving

The bike has started to weave, dance like i am on ice in corners. I feel its my mistake as i played with the settings on the rear shock. This has caused the resistance to lessen to the point, it gives no resistance. Today after turning the resistance up. The shock now works.
I need to investigate how to set up the shock now. For my weight and riding style. Will post some pictures soon.
Vinny

if you want to buy a ducati. have a look at this guy. its not a 916 but a relation. the hypermotard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXyV8JUj8m0
Vinny

How many times have you heard its supposed to do that

In one way it is good, in another I am not happy. The gales on Sunday must have picked up my bike cover like a parachute. Pulled the bike over and hit the patio table.....

Its good that the mirrors are held on by a screw that the head shears. Thanks to Rob at pro twins for the info.

So to get my bike back on the road I have fitted a new front brake lever and screw for the mirror.

Although I would have preferred if the bike had not fallen over.

Other damage includes the top fairing is cracked under the mirror, the lower fairing has a bit of plastic missing, the clutch cover was dented slightly. The seat has a tear.

I have decided to try and source the parts second hand.

pic shows the screw with sheared head. A part of my fairing and the broken lever.

Vinny

Its a pain in the wrist but its a Ducati with low bars

I found i had problems in my wrist, a twinge when turning my hand up. Only recently i have understood what caused it.

Sitting on the bike, I have been leaning forward. All my weight on the wrists, due to the low down stance of the bike bars.

Speaking to Pat a while ago and reading articles on the net. I found it is a good idea when out on the bike to grip the tank, pull your upper body up with your stomach muscles and lightly hold the steering.

This has helped as:

I travel over an hour to work and have found my wrist pain is slightly easing, my journeys on the bike pleasant with no issues after.

Next item is to reduce the pressure needed to pull the clutch in on the bike, I guess this is another issue adding to the arm. Also to try another riding style.

To use the clutch less, change up gears with out the clutch. Have discussed this with others on the net. The others agreeing that if the power is off the bike at the time of changing gears, it should be smooth and no damage long term......

Vinny