Tenere starter/ electrical
 

Hi,

My electric starter recently refused to work - it had been sounding increasingly weak over the years...and on a hot ride it refused to turn - just emitted a whining sound. After removing the starter and having it tested (it's in great shape) and re-installing it now it only clicks, the click coming from some apparatus (small, labled 12V) mounted in front of the battery.

I also seem to be having some electrical issues as my low beam headlight is occasionally out, my dash lights just went completely dead, and now my high-beam indicator is out.

I have checked many of the connections in the middle part of the bike and hit them with dialectric grease.

Any ideas?
Thanks in advance,

David

Make sure the battery electrolyte level is correct, charge the battery and test it. It's not enough power in the battery that is causing your problems. Also check the charging system is doing its job. An easy check is to run the engine at idle, then turn on the headlight. An increase in revs (to about 3~4,000) will result in the headlight becoming noticably brighter and have less flicker, if the charging system is ok.

Thanks..
 

That would be great if it was the battery. I suspect that my charging system may be worth a check...I think my battery is good...although it is apparently not charging very well as I just did a long ride.

Here's something I don't understand about electrics...if what you say is true (and I've experieinced it) then when the bike is running why is the electrical system influenced by the bad/ weak battery? The alternator should be providing the electrtical load, with any leftover stuff going to charge the battery. Right?

What am I missing here?

Thanks again for the input!

David

System
 

The Tenere rectifier / charging control units (what is the correct name in English) have a feature that makes it check whether it sees a good attery. Voltage over the terminals must be above, let's say 11.5 V. If it is not, the system will not charge.
My advice: just buy a new battery, then you have at least eliminated one possible cause. Install it, measure voltage. Should be 12 - 12.5 V. Start engine, measured voltage should go to about 13.5 V. If not, your charging system has a problem.

Auke