Wierd problem with 5th gen VFR

[silverbullet132]

Rode fine for about 8km, got to a red light, died. Tried to start and only got a click from under the seat. Pushed it off the road onto the sidewalk, waited a few minutes, clicked the starter again and it started idled and revved fine. As soon as I moved it about 5 feet and got ready to get on the road it died again. MotoLimo towed it home for me, when I got home I hooked it up to a multimeter which read 17.5-18.3v with the bike turned off. While cranking the starter it would drop to 15 then go back up to 17.5-18.3v. Hoping that my multimeter is not broken, ideas?

[djltoronto]

Rode fine for about 8km, got to a red light, died. Tried to start and only got a click from under the seat. Pushed it off the road onto the sidewalk, waited a few minutes, clicked the starter again and it started idled and revved fine. As soon as I moved it about 5 feet and got ready to get on the road it died again. MotoLimo towed it home for me, when I got home I hooked it up to a multimeter which read 17.5-18.3v with the bike turned off. While cranking the starter it would drop to 15 then go back up to 17.5-18.3v. Hoping that my multimeter is not broken, ideas?

your multi-meter must be busted - cause 15 volts while cranking is not right (neither is 18 when bike is off).

[gamma1]

Common problem with all VFR's....Regulator/rectifier...

Read this thread. It will help you out.

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum...rical-Problems

[silverbullet132]

Common problem with all VFR's....Regulator/rectifier...

Read this thread. It will help you out.

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum...rical-Problems

Thanks, will check that out. Will also try multiple multi-meters. Any chance it is the tipover sensor? As it did start again after sitting for a few minutes. What about the dying after moving a few feet? Would that all be the rectifier?

[Rob MacLennan]

Replace the battery in your meter. Low battery could potentially give high readings.

IIRC the '99 VFR got a bigger heat sink, for the reg/rec.

[silverbullet132]

Replace the battery in your meter. Low battery could potentially give high readings.

IIRC the '99 VFR got a bigger heat sink, for the reg/rec.

Sounds like a good idea...tried another meter and it read 19.5-20.5v. How much does a R/R typically go for? $150?

[VFR.CBR]

R/R problems are not uncommon on the VFR. There are all sorts of solutions out there; OEM replacement, OEM upgrade, new wiring harness, R/R upgrade.
I went with the R/R upgrade and removed the connectors from the wiring harness.
I used the SHINDENGEN FH0122AA R/R. It's still a shunt type regulator, but the MOSFET switching means it generates much less heat in the R/R. It also has much improved regulation.
If you're handy with a soldering iron, you can install one of these for a little under $150.

I had the over-Voltage issue on one of my bikes, batteries are quickly damaged by overcharging.

[shewie]

I used the SHINDENGEN FH0122AA R/R. It's still a shunt type regulator,

You know this for certain? I have one for my XX but have been hesitant to install it as nobody was able to answer that question with any certainty and I was worried about high transient voltages in the alternator windings.

[silverbullet132]

R/R problems are not uncommon on the VFR. There are all sorts of solutions out there; OEM replacement, OEM upgrade, new wiring harness, R/R upgrade.
I went with the R/R upgrade and removed the connectors from the wiring harness.
I used the SHINDENGEN FH0122AA R/R. It's still a shunt type regulator, but the MOSFET switching means it generates much less heat in the R/R. It also has much improved regulation.
If you're handy with a soldering iron, you can install one of these for a little under $150.

I had the over-Voltage issue on one of my bikes, batteries are quickly damaged by overcharging.

Was reading about that one.

Would a dead reg cause it to die then be fine a few mins later? Or start then die very shortly after I get moving?

[VFR.CBR]

Yes, the regulator can be the root cause of the bike dying, then restart a few minutes later. Unfortunately, it means the battery is probably cooked. The computer will have shut-down on over Voltage. The cool down period allowed the battery Voltage to drop a bit, the restart pulled it down a bit more, allowing the bike to run. But, probably only for a short time till the problem arose again.

[VFR.CBR]

You know this for certain? I have one for my XX but have been hesitant to install it as nobody was able to answer that question with any certainty and I was worried about high transient voltages in the alternator windings.

The FH0122AA is a shunt type regulator, as opposed to a series style regulator. You will not see high Voltages on the windings; 15 Volts max.

[silverbullet132]

The FH0122AA is a shunt type regulator, as opposed to a series style regulator. You will not see high Voltages on the windings; 15 Volts max.

Where can I get one? Is it possible to buy it local?

Yes, the regulator can be the root cause of the bike dying, then restart a few minutes later. Unfortunately, it means the battery is probably cooked.

**** the battery is a week old...

[VFR.CBR]

Where can I get one? Is it possible to buy it local?

I have one kit left. I brought them in from the US. There maybe shops here selling them, but I couldn't find any when I was looking for them.

[toastman]

Sounds like you replaced a battery before figuring out why the last one went bad.

Where can I get one? Is it possible to buy it local?



**** the battery is a week old...

[silverbullet132]

Sounds like you replaced a battery before figuring out why the last one went bad.

My mechanic did that, hopefully he covers it under warranty. Problem is the bike was/is my only mode of transport hopefully a new battery + R/R will fix this problem.

[slowbird]

For all your upgraded Eletrical needs:

http://www.wiremybike.com/index.php?...eb1b760a2ae2aa

I got an upgraded Reg/Rec and VFR harness (VFRness) for my 5th gen. Good mod for our bikes.

[silverbullet132]

Yay...

[VFR.CBR]

Yay...

Is this the wiring you have now? Did you remove any tape or covering to expose the char & corrosion?

[silverbullet132]

yeah removed some tape on all of it

[gcrouse]

Another common problem. I would recommend a vfrness from tightwad over on vfrdiscussion. By all accounts it works and no more issues with burnt out wires. Tell him Gary sent ya
oops sorry slowbird lol