Hey all!

First time street rider here. (Have ridden many dirtbikes while growing up at home)

I have just purchased my first road bike (1990 Kawasaki Ninja ZX600-D), and am having troubles keeping the battery charged. At most, it has 12.5V when at 7-8K RPM. I know it's not the battery because I bought a new one. Would it be something like the alternator? What other possibilities could it be? How would I fix them?

Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

12.5 should keep it charged, is the battery topped off?

Try disconnecting the battery after each ride and see if it still has problems. If the battery still doesnt work and it tests ok then start troubleshooting your charging system. If the battery works fine when you disconnect it every day then something is draining your battery while its turned off, and you will need to go on a gremlin hunt through your electrical system.

Let us know what you find. Welcome to KF!

 

Thanks for the welcome!

The battery was charged. When I was looking at the bike, the previous owner had to giggle a white cable that plugged into the rectifier to get it above 12v while running. It had burned before, so he cut the cable and re-spliced it. I'm guessing it has something to do with this. Any ideas?

 

It should charge at 13.8v. 12.5 is not enough

 

Mav is right, a 12v system should be charging around 14v, however 12.5 should keep the battery alive. Jiggling cables is not the best way to fix the problem, go through the rectifier and check for loose/damaged connections and get them in order. Also if you have burned parts I suggest you replace them first, should help you get that voltage back up. Sounds like your almost there.

 

What seemed like a rough go should hopefully be simple. Where would you guys recommend looking for parts? Totally new here, but so far you guys have been 12305% helpful!

 

Can't really help ya with parts, I'm in Australia

 

Every place is different you should shop around if your looking for best prices. As far as customer service goes, I was lucky enough to not need it but i have heard horror stories. Last place I used was partshark.com, good prices quick shipping, I hear bike bandit is also good. Look up your part number on the fiche, that will make shopping around easier. And when your shopping, remember your local dealer has free shipping, so sometimes its worth paying extra (part numbers are great there too, some guys just can't look it up)

 

Thanks! I'll call the local guys to see if they have what I need. I guess I should have mentioned I'm in Canada, if it makes a difference for online shopping.

I have to say, I'm really looking forward to checking out these forums for all sorts of information related to my Ninja and riding in general. Great way to make a guy feel welcome! Thanks again!

 

No problemo, get some pics up when you get a chance.