Battery drained

Daniel Lombana

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Hello guys!!

I would like to share with you that my XS360 project its almost 100% ready. The bike runs and everything but the battery doesn't hold its charge. I can ride the motorcycle for 15 minutes without any problem but when I start using accessories like the lights, speedometer, voltemeter, etc... the battery starts losing juice and then the engine dies.

I thought it could be the voltage regulator but I tried 3 different already. the one that came with the bike (original) I tested the OHMZ and they were 3.4 which is no good. I bought another one that I found on eBay (used) and tested it was also 3.1 OHMZ so, I reported it and they sent me another one that isn't working out either but it hasn't been tested with the voltmeter yet.

So I'm looking for answers or suggestions. Maybe that has happened to any of you. could it be a short maybe? What should I do? thanks
 
Get a new battery..

These bikes need a good fully charged battery to start, run, and idle

The bike will NOT start without a battery.

Get the new battery and get the bike started. Connect your volt meter and take readings

-Take voltage of battery 100% charged and not fresh off the charger.

- Start the bike and check voltage at idle off the battery. Should be around 1 full volt higher than the battery's actual voltage. So, if your battery has 12.9v as it sits, you should have at least 13.5-14v (should be at the higher side of voltage reading) at idle. If you have less than 1 volt difference at idle, you may have issues.

- Check voltage when revving, should see up to 15 possibly 16v then.

The original regular works but is prone to failure. I use an automotive regulator that was $20 new. Aftermarket regulators beed to be the right type too.

I use a R-292 that can be found at any autopart store. It does have 4 wires you just need to splice two of them together to make your factory 3 prong harness connection.
 
The voltage regulator can only be checked while the bike is running (14.5v max at 5k rpm's). The mechanical ones have specs for resistance which is in the manual. All sohc xs400 bikes past 78 used a solid state type that can be found for cheap. Upgrade to one of those. My guess is your field coil or stator coil is bad. Those have to do with charging. Specs for testing can also be found in the manual and in the forum. The search function is your friend. Post some pics of the bike so we can see what you have.
 
Get a new battery..

These bikes need a good fully charged battery to start, run, and idle

The bike will NOT start without a battery.

Get the new battery and get the bike started. Connect your volt meter and take readings

-Take voltage of battery 100% charged and not fresh off the charger.

- Start the bike and check voltage at idle off the battery. Should be around 1 full volt higher than the battery's actual voltage. So, if your battery has 12.9v as it sits, you should have at least 13.5-14v (should be at the higher side of voltage reading) at idle. If you have less than 1 volt difference at idle, you may have issues.

- Check voltage when revving, should see up to 15 possibly 16v then.

The original regular works but is prone to failure. I use an automotive regulator that was $20 new. Aftermarket regulators beed to be the right type too.

I use a R-292 that can be found at any autopart store. It does have 4 wires you just need to splice two of them together to make your factory 3 prong harness connection.
 
Thanks very much for you quick reply. I would like to add that this is the second battery I bought for my bike. The first one wasn’t a sealed battery and I didn’t liked it very much and then I switched to a lithium battery that gives me 13.2 v once it’s fully charged. Could you please suggest a good battery brand for me to buy? A link or something? I will definitely will buy the voltage regulator that you recommended. Thanks very much. I will send updates during the week. Cheers
 
The voltage regulator can only be checked while the bike is running (14.5v max at 5k rpm's). The mechanical ones have specs for resistance which is in the manual. All sohc xs400 bikes past 78 used a solid state type that can be found for cheap. Upgrade to one of those. My guess is your field coil or stator coil is bad. Those have to do with charging. Specs for testing can also be found in the manual and in the forum. The search function is your friend. Post some pics of the bike so we can see what you have.
The voltage regulator can only be checked while the bike is running (14.5v max at 5k rpm's). The mechanical ones have specs for resistance which is in the manual. All sohc xs400 bikes past 78 used a solid state type that can be found for cheap. Upgrade to one of those. My guess is your field coil or stator coil is bad. Those have to do with charging. Specs for testing can also be found in the manual and in the forum. The search function is your friend. Post some pics of the bike so we can see what you have.
 
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