GL1800 Tick over problem

[Martyn2112]

Hi Guys,
I'm new to the forum was looking for a bit of help.
I seem to be having a little problem with my Bike.
When my lights are on the bike struggles to tick over and rattles quite badly, when the lights are off this goes away and ticks over nicely.
I don't have many accessories on the bike to overload the alternator(Sat-Nav & Ride Cam).
If I disconnect the feed wire from the Alternator to the battery the tick over with the lights on returns to smooth and normal but replacing the feed wire brings the problem back.
It's a relatively new alternator I have done about 3000 miles since it was fitted and it was also doing this before the alternator was changed.
Any idea's of what could be causing the drop in power to the bike when the lights are on? The alternator is putting out sufficient power as this is what is confusing me.
Thanks in anticipation

Martyn

[MikeB]

The battery may be weak. Seems as though there is not enough output from the alternator to charge the battery, keep the lights on and keep the bike running smoothly. I would replace the battery if I were you.

[Martyn2112]

Hi Mike
Already tried that I have put a brand new Yuasa battery on it and its still doing the same thing.

Martyn

[Viking]

As the lights on a GL1800 are automatic and come on when you turn the key, and go off while starting, to return after the bike is started, I guess you are actually referring to after market lights. Perhaps the lights draw too much power, if they are incandescent spots. Or you have retrofitted HID lights, which may still draw too much power.

[Martyn2112]

No not aftermaket lights, I have a 2003 model on which you can turn the main lights on and of and re not automatic.
Thanks for the input though

[Viking]

No not aftermaket lights, I have a 2003 model on which you can turn the main lights on and off and are not automatic.
Thanks for the input though

I did not realize you could do that on any of them. That would be a good feature to retain, although probably illegal where I live. Sorry I could not have been more help.

[thrasherg]

As the lights on a GL1800 are automatic and come on when you turn the key, and go off while starting, to return after the bike is started, I guess you are actually referring to after market lights. Perhaps the lights draw too much power, if they are incandescent spots. Or you have retrofitted HID lights, which may still draw too much power.

This is the case in the USA, in Europe, most motorcycles have a manual switch to turn the lights on/off..

Gary

[Wingsconsin]

Hi Guys,
I'm new to the forum was looking for a bit of help.
I seem to be having a little problem with my Bike.
When my lights are on the bike struggles to tick over and rattles quite badly, when the lights are off this goes away and ticks over nicely.
I don't have many accessories on the bike to overload the alternator(Sat-Nav & Ride Cam).
If I disconnect the feed wire from the Alternator to the battery the tick over with the lights on returns to smooth and normal but replacing the feed wire brings the problem back.
It's a relatively new alternator I have done about 3000 miles since it was fitted and it was also doing this before the alternator was changed.
Any idea's of what could be causing the drop in power to the bike when the lights are on? The alternator is putting out sufficient power as this is what is confusing me.
Thanks in anticipation

Martyn

This seems to an indicator of what is wrong...I don;t know what to do with that information ..but it clearly shows a symptom
At first I was going to recommend checking ground (earth) connections - but this has me puzzled.

[MikeB]

Hi Mike
Already tried that I have put a brand new Yuasa battery on it and its still doing the same thing.

Martyn

You didn't say that in your initial post or I would not have recommended replacing the battery.

Have you done voltage checks at the battery and Alternator? By the way, disconnecting the alternator feed wire and running the bike is probably not a good idea, especially if it is already running.

Voltage with the bike off should be about 12.7 volts or higher.
With the bike running and lights on, the voltage should be about 13.5 to 14.0 volts or higher.

[Martyn2112]

Hi Mike
Already tried that I have put a brand new Yuasa battery on it and its still doing the same thing.

Martyn

You didn't say that in your initial post or I would not have recommended replacing the battery.

Have you done voltage checks at the battery and Alternator? By the way, disconnecting the alternator feed wire and running the bike is probably not a good idea, especially if it is already running.

Voltage with the bike off should be about 12.7 volts or higher.
With the bike running and lights on, the voltage should be about 13.5 to 14.0 volts or higher.

Thanks for the Info Mike I will get it checked asap