Charging problem, trying to narrow down

Well the weather broke for a few days here and I went to start up the bike and of course the battery lost its charge. Anyway I used some cables and it started up no problem but after a few minutes it died. So I tried it again after letting it charge a bit and it did the same thing. I took a volt meter to the battery and when I gave it some gas the volts on the battery kept dwindling down, never increased. I was told it was the stator or possibly the regulator. I would just like to make sure and get some opinions before I spend the money. Is there anyway to do a "DIY" check on the stator or regulator? Also I pulled the stator cover to make sure things looked good in there and about 3/4 to a quart of oil poured out. I was told that this was normal and was also told that there should only be a little bit dripping out. I know there are alot of knowledgable R1 people on this board so I wanted to ask the opinion of the pros;) Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!! Thank you!!;)

I don't know about the oil coming out, but I would first charge the battery and check the voltage to get a baseline and then let it sit for awhile and then go back and take a reading to see if it is holding a charge. Autozone check it for you too. If your battery can't hold a charge, your engine will die cause it is trying to charge your battery plus keep your bike running. I had that happen in my truck. It would idle but as soon as I would give it some gas it would die. Just trying to help with my past experiences.

What makes me think its not the battery is after letting it charge I would start up the bike and it would run for about maybe 5-10 minutes then just die because the battery had no charge left. I even took it down the street keeping on the throttle quite a bit(just a quick run). I ended up pushing it about 100 feet because it died on the way back, lol that sucked. My guages will just die out completely then very shortly after the bike dies out. But yeah I do understand your point;) I think i'll have the battery checked anyway though, just in case.

The battery is not going to charge at <5000rpm. have you read this thread for pointers to check? http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31255

The battery is not going to charge at <5000rpm. have you read this thread for pointers to check? http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31255 Hey william, I really appreciate that!! missed that thread somewhere. I'll try checking those possibles once I get a decent day again!!

luckily for you the R/R is pretty cheap for these bikes. Like $70 new and $35-40 used. 9 times out of 10 when you have a charging problem on an R1 or R6 it's the R/R.

luckily for you the R/R is pretty cheap for these bikes. Like $70 new and $35-40 used. 9 times out of 10 when you have a charging problem on an R1 or R6 it's the R/R. Haha yeah I pray its only the R/R!;) I am at work currently and wouldn't be able to check but would you mind telling me exactly where the R/R is please? By the time I get home it will be dark. By the way, I appreciate everyones help!

located under the seat right at the front of the undertray. It's a pain in the butt to get to. Two ten mm bolts holding it in place. Easier to get to if you remove the fuel tank. In my experiance if you have a charging problem you are going to need a R/R at a minimum. Replace the R/R and fix any burnt wires in the R/R connector. It the connector is burnt then go to the local Yamaha shop they should have more in stock. Once it's replaced and the wires are fixed then retest. Should be 14+ volts at 5k rpm. Makes no difference what it is at idle.

Just looked at the R/R jay and yes the plug was looking burnt up. I actually had to get some vice grips and pry it out because it melted itself to the R/R. Is there anyway to stop that from happening? So anyway, I am assuming this is what the problem is going to be. I'm about to go have my battery tested as well just in case it isn't bad. And possibly order the plug and R/R from yamaha.

Just looked at the R/R jay and yes the plug was looking burnt up. I actually had to get some vice grips and pry it out because it melted itself to the R/R. Is there anyway to stop that from happening? So anyway, I am assuming this is what the problem is going to be. I'm about to go have my battery tested as well just in case it isn't bad. And possibly order the plug and R/R from yamaha. usually when RR's go pear shaped from my experience it's one of 3 things old wiring old reg/rec Cooling issues. Some people relocate them somewhere cooler like on the back of the numberplate hanger on Ducatis'.... i'd check the wiring from the RR, make sure that's ok, and just lob on a new one.

I just got back from yamaha and they don't sell the part of the harness with the plug, they only sell the entire harness which is almost $300. Is it possible to just clamp on some insulated connectors and connect those to the R/R?

I just got back from yamaha and they don't sell the part of the harness with the plug, they only sell the entire harness which is almost $300. Is it possible to just clamp on some insulated connectors and connect those to the R/R? I've seen it done with my old 916 mate. however it was only a 4-6month fix at best usually. Best leave it to someone more techinical than me at this point.

Your yamaha shop is a bunch of idiots. Did you talk to the parts guys, or the service guys? That plug is sold seperatly, I know I have about 30 of them in my garage. It's very common failure for these bikes and has been done time and time again. Talk to the guys in service, or find another shop that actually wants to help you. Make sure you replace any wire with any sign of damange, then put die electric grease in the new plug before plugging it into the R/R.

It was the parts guy jay. I went to another shop a half hour away to get a R/R and they said the same thing $300 for the harness, no plug available. Any chance I can buy a few from you, lol. Just as a quick fix I'm going to buy a few connectors and just plug them in to their according spots, I'll grab some grease also and some heat shrink. My battery is at Advanced Auto Parts at the moment being charged and tested. So hopefully tomorrow it should be able to go for a ride. So is it feasible to relocate the R/R so it gets a bit more air or is it a waste of time? P.S. thanx again Jay and Weeksy

PM me your addy and I will get one out to you in the mail.

The battery was fried also! They were testing it and it started smoking with acid pouring out, lol. Bought another one also. Hopefully problem is solved!

I got your addy, I will get this connector sent out. The roads are crap here in OKC at the moment, we are having a huge ice storm roll through at the moment, but I will get it out as soon as possible. Once you fix it go back up to the shop and tell those parts guys it's K&L part number 34-1853. Dealer cost for a 10 pack is under $20. I mean really I cannot believe people sometimes. Are they replacing the wiring harness on every R6 and R1 that comes in with a charging problem? That would be nearly $1,000 with parts and labor. For a $70-$100 problem.

Lol, I will let them know, I would say that they are probably just in it for the money. I appreciate you sending that!! Got her running today with the temporary connectors and it ran pretty good once the older crappy gas cycled through, stalled out here and there. Been out all day toughing out the cold, haha

Jay you are a legend .....its a shame that all these dealers all over the world aren't actually true bikers, otherwise they might be a little more helpful instead of just being interested in making money all the time....most of them just want your money when you buy the bike but the after sales is crap to say the least..if i get any probs i would sooner ask you and others on here than go back to a dealer

thank you for the kind words man :) That means allot. A partner and I are trying to start our own motorcycle repair business. Our goal is to treat people like we would want to be treated. 100% fair and honest, for better or worse. Plus labor prices that are more inline with the actual work being done. I mean at the end of the day if you don't help the people who need help, what kind of person are you?

Jay you are a legend .....its a shame that all these dealers all over the world aren't actually true bikers, otherwise they might be a little more helpful instead of just being interested in making money all the time....most of them just want your money when you buy the bike but the after sales is crap to say the least..if i get any probs i would sooner ask you and others on here than go back to a dealer Yes I will definately agree you mick;) I got that plug about 2 days ago jay. I really appreciate it!!! The envelope came all torn to hell. I think the post office opened it thinking it was some kind terrorist thing, haha. They resealed it with a clear see through bag with an apology on it, still had the crimps in it so all is good. Once again I really appreciate that!! When you guys open up your shop do it here and I will give you lots of business, lol;) Just an update it was the regulator, she is running solid now. Just in time too, I decided when it gets warmer I am going to sell it and buy the 07. It was a hard choice but I'm in love, lol.

sorry about the envelope man. I knew I should have went to the post office and got of of those padded envelopes, but it was ice everywhere and I didn't want to get out in it. Anyway glad it worked for ya :) I have recieved a ton of help in my life, and I figure the best way to pay it back is by helping everyone I can.

Haha, no biggy about the envelope. Everything was there;) I will return the favors as well if I ever can;)