Electrics are dead
 

So, I just finished unloading my hawk off of a flat bed and back into the garage. I was on my way home when I noticed my tach was sitting at zero. Next I hit the turn signal and my spedo starting pulsing with it. When I shut it off it sat at zero. I had the sinking feeling my lights were not on and soon I would be out of juice. As I pulled off the freeway I down shifted and the bike gurgled a few back fires and died.

It seems pretty clear cut that my alternator died, but being new to superhawks I figured I would post my problem here and have a beer before I thought too hard about it. Any input on similar experiences is of course appreciated.

Thanks,
Kendrick

Check your R/R first.... your symtoms are classic failure of the R/R and then running on the battery untill you killed it. There are quite a few threads you can search here to find out about this problem.

Also check the Electrex website for a diagram on how to diagnos your R/R, you'll just need a voltmeter and it takes about 5 minutes. I'd say the odds it's a R/R failure is 90%. You might also want to buy a new battery if the one you have is old... this will aviod killing the new R/R if you buy one.

Info from when my R/R died....

https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...read.php?t=102

Thanks SlowHAWK,

Your problem sounds exactly like mine, but I was too lazy to push it anywhere. Some problems are easier to throw money at, so I called in a flat bed. I'll probably just buy a new battery and R/R and hope for the best.

Kendrick

I have a used one for sale. That may be able to save you some money.

I don't know, a new one may be worth the extra money verses worrying about a used one letting me down again. How used do you mean and how much do you want for it? $100 dollars or whatever for a new one might be worth the piece of mind.

If you do order a new Honda one get a later one '02 and up had a better one with nice cooling fins - honda eventually woke up to the problem and redesigned it.

Consider NOT using a Honda R/R as your replacement. Many folks replace them with R1 units (can't remember the years, something like '97 - '99 but you'll need to check), thye're not only less expensive (about $70) but made better and have cooling fins.

some details here:
http://www.vlc.com.au/~justin/about/...g_replace.html

The R1 units are better made but I believe larger in physical size (may need to relocate it elsewhere) and will need some rewiring. I haven't heard of many '02 and later redesigned finned units failing. Just my $.02

Well I pulled off the r/r. It's pretty clear it is the problem as one of the wires is melted. The connector for the top right yellow wire is scorched and the casing in the connector body is totally melted. Now, does anyone have any advice on repairing the wiring harness before I put the new r/r on?

Kendrick

Oh by the way I did order a new Honda r/r. The part numbers for 1997-2000 and 2002-2005 are now the same so it appears honda has updated the part, however 2001 has a different number. Does any know why? I was kind of under the assumption the SH has been the same through its production besides slight color changes. (I did very specifically order the post 2002 all the same)

Kendrick

Section the burnt wire out, plus an inch. Solder in a quality insulated (not Wal-Mart, cheap wire) of like gauge. I use polyolefin coated 3M heat shrink tube to make a water proof, permanent connection. Once melted in place.. it will never come apart. You would sooner cut the wire before or after the connection then try and remove the 3M heat shrink tubing.

I buy most of my wiring stuff on line at http://www.waytekwire.com

The problem was so bad on honda VFR's that Honda now offers a "connector kit" for that bike. I went a different route. It's been nearly two years with no problems:

https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ght=superbling

Okay, one week later, a new battery and regulator are in and off I go for the night. Hopefully I won't be returning with a flat bed this time. As always thanks to all for advice.

Kendrick

wow it looks like the R/R is a common problem on the SH. Let me know how it turns out. Hopefully I'll get mine fixed this week. BTW here's a link to my ongoing issue

https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ead.php?t=3208