Topic: cb550f Charging Problem

[grichey37]

Ive been having a charging issue with my cb550f since i purchased it several months ago. Bike came with an old battery, and after charging it and riding for about an hour, the bike died and the battery would no longer hold a charge. I then replaced the battery thinking it may have been the problem. After installing the new fully charged battery the bike ran as it should for a couple of short rides but proceeded to die again. I am aware of the problematic charging system on these bikes and made certain to ride above 3,000 rpm's as much as possible. Since then, i have been able to trickle charge the battery and ride for about an hour until it dies. I have also observed that after this hour long period, if i am able to maintain 3,000 rpms or higher the bike will still run - however, once i come to a stop the bike dies immediately. Any ideas on what the issue could be...rectifier regulator, stator etc?? thanks!

[Popwood]

Welcome to the forum.  Couple suggestions; 1) search the FAQs as there are at least a couple trouble shooting routines to follow that can help you isolate the problem. I'm pretty sure Two Tired, a most trusted and knowledgeable member, has some excellent advice on this. 2, I had a similar problem with my 550 after buying it earlier this summer. I traced the problem back to the previous owner fiddling with the wires on the regulator-- he had them switched. The three connecting posts on it are each identified with a stamp in the metal and some even have a color coded sticker corresponding to the wire insulation color.

[TwoTired]

You have two options:
A)Keep changing charging system components until it works better.
B) obtain a volt/ohm meter and measure system voltages and components to find fault.

Let us know which path you choose, and if B, then what volt/ohmmeter you have obtained.  A picture of the function knob would help us determine what settings you should use.

Cheers,

[scartail]

Ive been having a charging issue with my cb550f since i purchased it several months ago. Bike came with an old battery, and after charging it and riding for about an hour, the bike died and the battery would no longer hold a charge. I then replaced the battery thinking it may have been the problem. After installing the new fully charged battery the bike ran as it should for a couple of short rides but proceeded to die again. I am aware of the problematic charging system on these bikes and made certain to ride above 3,000 rpm's as much as possible. Since then, i have been able to trickle charge the battery and ride for about an hour until it dies. I have also observed that after this hour long period, if i am able to maintain 3,000 rpms or higher the bike will still run - however, once i come to a stop the bike dies immediately. Any ideas on what the issue could be...rectifier regulator, stator etc?? thanks!

I was in the similar scenario, after buying my 550. It turn out the leads going gfomr the stator was disconnected. Doh! And the previous own had wired a switch to the headlight to conserve the power. No need for that anymore.