Electrical problem
 

I've had two instances of an electrical problem which someone might be able to shed some light on. I'm currently still in Morocco and I had been riding along at about 50-55mph for 30 minutes or more and as it was cold I decided to switch on the Oxford heated grips. The controller flashed at me and switched off which normally means it's cut out because the voltage is too low. So I tried again and the same thing happened.

Then the orange warning light came on. A minute or so later the digital dash blanked out. A minute or so later the rev counter gave up. Then the engine started misfiring. Seeing as I was 80 miles from anywhere in the Rekkam Plateau area I carried on. The misfire got worse, then suddenly cleared and the rev counter, digital dash and warning light were all back to normal.

An hour or so later the same thing happened--exactly as related above.

That was two days ago and since then everything, including the heated grips, has been fine.

Any suggestions?
Tim

Sounds like you've got an intermittent bad connection(s) at the regulator/rectifier.

I think, you are guessing right. The symthoms you expirienced, point to a drained battery.
The Ten is also known for the rectifier/contact issue, that probably caused the poor charging of the battery.

The connector of the rectifier should be checked a.s.a.p. If the connector showes something unusual on one contact (colour change by overheating or sparking) it should be changed or fixed immediately.
Otherwise you may strand anywhere at any time.

saludos,
Joe

+1

Sure sounds like it.

Tim its almost definatly the reg/rec prob they are all the same sytoms I suffered hope you are able to get it sorted out there.

Being in east Morroco I would find a used rec/reg from another bike, and wire it instead of trying to fix the loom & the rec/reg. You could cut the original conector or simply wire the new one directly to the loom and leave the original connector. Any donnor bike with a 3 pole alternator is suitable, this includes almost every 4 cyl. jap. bike, just find one with cables instead of connector at the reg, it will a lot easier to wire.

http://images.motorcycle-superstore....rRegulator.jpg

Alternative 2:

Propably easier in morocco.

Find a guy with a soldering iron and solder
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...QIJwlow5Mc5P8=


and "wire" the reg from the male connector at the reg. directly to the loom.

have fun and enjoy morroco, the last time I was there with a bike I ended up with a broken conrod on my beloved DRZ400E :(

Cheers guys. I'm currently in Fez so will look at it in the morning.

I did 140km offroad yesterday from Talsinnt to Debdou so just as well everything held together.

After nearly six weeks in Morocco I'm coming to the end of the tour and have covered over 7500km. And apart from the hole in the sump, the stolen tools, problems with the Tenere pannier hinges, the two rear punctures (I will never, ever, try sticking a 21-in front tube in a 17-in rear tyre again), the electrical problem above and the chain coming off today things have been OK.

I managed to get a new rear tyre (MCE Karoo) and brake pads from Moto Plus in Casablanca who also serviced it. Nevertheless the poor bike will need some TLC when I get back to Spain.

Well I had a dig at the rectifier and initially wished I hadn't. The shorting had fused the plastic around the duff connector and the connector end was not adrift from the body, so wouldn't go back on again. General sucking of teeth.

Fes has a brilliant scooter/moped mechanic at 'Central Moto' which is a few miles away, so I disconnected the rectifier and crossed fingers that I would get there on battery charge. They instantly saw the problem, said they didn't have a spare plug end whatsit (as if I thought they might). The mechanic cleaned up the rectifier end then started pulling the duff connector through from the plug and connected that manually, then pushed on the plug to connect the rest. I was on the road again within 30 minutes and the repair cost 30dh (�2.40).

It all seems OK. I have about 1000km to do before getting to Spain where it can be fixed properly. Presumably this is a warranty job?

Talking of which, add to the problem list above the fact I had to replace the steering head bearings which the Spanish dealer said were not covered by warranty and wanted something like €200 for parts. I sourced compatible top and bottom bearings in the UK for about �30.

Central Moto also did the rear wheel bearing on my F650GS twin when it failed in Fez. None of the UK �75 per hour plus VAT for labour, the new bearing and labour was just �8.