Topic: CB550K not charging at idle?

[VigCS]

Hi everybody,

I bought a '78 CB550K and it's in great (seemingly) mechanical shape.  I don't have my license yet, only my permit.  So I was practicing for the Maryland MVA's riders test, just doing some cone weaving in my driveway.  Long story short, the bike died after an about 15 minutes and wouldn't restart until I recharged the battery.  The headlight is always on when the bike is running, and it's a silvanio halogen, so I'm thinking that's what did it.  I may add a headlight kill switch later on.  This leads me to think my bike doesn't charge the battery too well at idle engine speeds.  I got it charged up and went out for a 40 mile ride with a friend and all was well and good, so this leads me to believe it just doesn't like charging at idle.

Is this common with these bikes or should I be looking for problems?  It seems to charge fine when the RPMs are 3000+.

Thanks!

[Gordon]

None of the sohc4's charge at idle speeds.  The alternators do make power at low speeds, but not enough to make up for what the bike is using.  If you need to run it for any length of time at low speeds just unplug the headlight or pull the fuse, but remember these are air-cooled engines and running them for very long without fast moving air to cool them off can easily cause them to overheat. 

[VigCS]

None of the sohc4's charge at idle speeds.  The alternators do make power at low speeds, but not enough to make up for what the bike is using.  If you need to run it for any length of time at low speeds just unplug the headlight or pull the fuse, but remember these are air-cooled engines and running them for very long without fast moving air to cool them off can easily cause them to overheat.  

Thanks!  That's what I was hoping to hear.  I guess I need to find another bike to practice for my test on.

[Gordon]

I'd suggest taking an approved motorcycle riding class.  They supply the motorcycle and at the end of the class you get your license.  At least that's how it works here in Colorado and many other states. 

[VigCS]

I'd suggest taking an approved motorcycle riding class.  They supply the motorcycle and at the end of the class you get your license.  At least that's how it works here in Colorado and many other states. 

I'm signed up for one but its not until late July.  They fill up so fast.  I was planning on taking the DMV test and still attending the class for my own benefit.

[steam-powered man]

hello,
a question and comment.  what wattage is your sylvania halogen, 65/55w?  just curious, am looking into upgradeng my headlight to a halogen.

you can increase the efficiency of your charging system by making sure all connections are clean.  this does take some time, but you may find some benefit.  good luck on your test!
bobp   

 

[VigCS]

hello,
a question and comment.  what wattage is your sylvania halogen, 65/55w?  just curious, am looking into upgradeng my headlight to a halogen.

you can increase the efficiency of your charging system by making sure all connections are clean.  this does take some time, but you may find some benefit.  good luck on your test!
bobp   

 

Thanks!  I'll report back with the wattage.  It was on the bike when I bought it so I'm not entirely sure.

[gmonkey]

I was under the impression that most motorcycles don't really charge the battery at idle including newer ones (through the 90s).