Headlamp and electrical problem

[Transplantedpatriot]

I have a '05 goldwing that has developed an electrical issue. I have seen on this forum several comments and replies about headlights dimming and so worth but mine has gone to a different level. This issue only seems to happen within the first 3-4 minutes from starting the bike. The bike starts great, idles fine and I see a good 14 volts on my volt meter that's installed on the bike. As I start to drive, the headlights dim way down and the volt meter dives to 9 or 10 volts. It stays there for about 10 seconds and then you can watch the voltage and the headlights ramp back up to full bright and 14 volts again. I replaced the battery but still no help. It was getting worse , doing this about 3 times in a row after I started down the street. The radio actually had started to shut off as well which it wasn't doing before. Now that the new battery is installed it's back to only doing it one time, every time I start to ride. This issue only happens at the beginning of a ride, once the bike warms up there are no issues..... other than the slight dimming of the headlight when braking or low RPM which I understand is normal. Could this be an alternator problem?

[702scottc]

Before you condemn the alternator make sure your grounds are clean and tight. Is battery voltage the same reading at the alternator and battery? You should also unplug the connector at the rear of the alternator and test for voltage at the yellow and brown wire with the key on. This wire gets its current from the ign cruise relay. Since it works fine after the engine is warm I would look at these things first. If you look at the charge circuit diagram in the repair manual it shows how the relays and kill switch are all part of the circuit. Dirty connections and high resistance in a relay can cause intermittent issues like this. It's possible the regulator is failing but alternators are expensive, look it over good and spend some time before you replace it.

[Transplantedpatriot]

Thanks for the info! I'll give it it a good once over.