K11 Owners Group

oldfieldcycles · Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 10:35 am Post subject: 95 k1100rs alternator

i am either having a battery or alternator issue, i could not start the bike the other day trying to leave work, i had to jump it. it died again while i was riding on my way home. im going to take the battery out to get it checked and if its fine, i plan to take the alternator apart to clean the contacts. i also read about checking the resistance on the ground wire to the battery. sound like the right thing to do? also, my other question, does the RS share the larger alternator with the LT?
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1996 k1100rs "ninja turtle bike"

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 11:45 am Post subject:

Yes, check your ground wires for resistance.

All the K bike alternators are the same size-wise, the later ones ('93 and newer) being 50 amps.
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John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Orkney · Joined: 08 Sep 2013 Posts: 2 Location: New York

Just got an RS and facing same thing - alternator not charging battery. Replaced older battery, still runs a full charge into ground in ten minutes or so.

Ground on battery showing too much resistance indicates cleaning contacts or replacement of part? Local guru opines voltage regulator replacement or stator rebuild. Do these make sense as possible sources of issue?
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noli timere

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 9:41 pm Post subject:

If you are strictly having "charging" issues it's most likely the brushes.
They can either be:
1) worn low and need replaced.(yes they can be replaced) or
2) the slip rings that the brushes ride against are tarnished and inhibiting current flow so it can't charge. These can be polished up and the alternator should work fine.

If the battery is draining charge thu the alternator when it's connected you may need to replace the voltage regulator.(yes it can be replaced too)
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Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

Eurocycleguy · Joined: 30 Mar 2013 Posts: 21

Tim (Midland Section) · Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 6:20 pm Post subject:

Nowt wrong with the alternator today then.
Look for something that is discharging the battery. Disconnect the battery overnight, if flat in the morning, Battery. If not summat on the Bike.
My guess is a duff battery.
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Regards Tim,

Grey haired riders don't get that way by pure luck
1996 Guzzi Cali3 LAPD
1972 750 Commando
G6HRN
#485

Eurocycleguy · Joined: 30 Mar 2013 Posts: 21

Yeah there was high resistance alright, but it was in the starting system not the charging system.
Took parts out , poking around inspecting all the wires in that area (Batt, Alt, and Starter)
The POS cable to the starter was LOOSE. I could have put two more terminal lugs under the nut. The cable terminal was just rattling around on the post!
And I only paid $85 / hour for that oversight. Rolling Eyes

thanks for the advice guys. Smile

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1967 SEARS (Gilera) 106SS
1974 Laverda 750GTF
(looks like I need something from the '80s in this spot)
1996 BMW K1100RS
Numerous others I wish I still had and couple that I don't