Starting issues

[Chang_G_Wing]

Well, I did it fellas. Got a new battery from Walmart. Prepped it and charge on a maintainer. Popped it on the bike And she started right up like a beast! I never heard her sound so beautiful.
I want to thank everyone for all the great tips and replays. Love this place. Cheers everyone

[gltriker]

Not finished until you check the running engine battery voltage readings.
Tell us what DC voltage readings you observe, below and above 3,000 rpm.

[salukispeed]

Definitely charge the battery fully and as stated already do the rest and check the charging voltage as you can ruin a new battery pretty quickly if over or under charging. By starting with a fully charged battery you are checking the charging system including the regulator, this way you are not getting false low readings while the system is working to bring up a 1/2 charged battery. Even new batteries may have been sitting on the shelf for a year and are only 1/2 charged.

[Chang_G_Wing]

Yeah I've checked regulator/rectifier. I only checked the 3 yellow wires though. Not sure how to check the other wires connected to it. Also checked the stator. That checks out as well. I've been riding the bike to work the past 2 days. I'm gonna have to check the voltage when it's off and when it's running. Will do after work today. Thanks fellas

[Track T 2411]

Also go back and revisit those 3 yellow wires with a soldering iron/gun. Doesn't take long for a bad connection to cause problems. My 2 cents...

[salukispeed]

Running voltage at the battery will give a lot of clues. to health of the system. more than 14.8 Too high, much under 14 too low, 14-14.8 Just right!!

[Chang_G_Wing]

Running voltage at the battery will give a lot of clues. to health of the system. more than 14.8 Too high, much under 14 too low, 14-14.8 Just right!!

I'm assuming that's when the bike is running....what about when the bike is off? Certain numbers I should be looking for then.

[Chang_G_Wing]

Also go back and revisit those 3 yellow wires with a soldering iron/gun. Doesn't take long for a bad connection to cause problems. My 2 cents...

Are you referring to the stator wires? If so, I was just gonna crimp on some proper terminals and attach new plastic plugs. Not a good idea?

[gltriker]

Running voltage at the battery will give a lot of clues. to health of the system. more than 14.8 Too high, much under 14 too low, 14-14.8 Just right!!

I'm assuming that's when the bike is running....YES

what about when the bike is off? Check the engine running charging voltage, first.

Certain numbers I should be looking for then?
14.4 VDC is factory engine running specification.
A Fully Charged, Resting battery voltage is typically 12.7VDC.

Please, review and rely upon salukispeed's directions!

[gltriker]

Also go back and revisit those 3 yellow wires with a soldering iron/gun. Doesn't take long for a bad connection to cause problems. My 2 cents...

Are you referring to the stator wires? If so, I was just gonna crimp on some proper terminals and attach new plastic plugs. Not a good idea?

If you feel that's the way you want to go, be sure pack the terminal plugs with dielectric grease, too.
Correctly soldering the 3 pairs of yellow wires is proactively regarded a Best Practice for this common failure area.
(But, I successfully utilized 3M heat sealing butt connector compression terminals on my trike.)

[Chang_G_Wing]

Sweet! Running voltage is 13.6 -14 depending on where the contact is with my meter.when on the throttle it goes up to 14.8 anywhere the contact is. As for the bike being off. Which I just let it sit for 15 mins. 13.8.

[Chang_G_Wing]

Also go back and revisit those 3 yellow wires with a soldering iron/gun. Doesn't take long for a bad connection to cause problems. My 2 cents...

Are you referring to the stator wires? If so, I was just gonna crimp on some proper terminals and attach new plastic plugs. Not a good idea?

If you feel that's the way you want to go, be sure pack the terminal plugs with dielectric grease, too.
Correctly soldering the 3 pairs of yellow wires is proactively regarded a Best Practice for this common failure area.
(But, I successfully utilized 3M heat sealing butt connector compression terminals on my trike.)

If it's claimed for best practice, I'll solder and heat shrink them wires. Thanks for the tip.

[ericheath]

Many older Japanese bike sites recommend this. Solder an inch or more extra and in the event you do an engine pull, you'll have a bit to spare. When I did mine, I staggered the joints a little.

[Track T 2411]

Many older Japanese bike sites recommend this. Solder an inch or more extra and in the event you do an engine pull, you'll have a bit to spare. When I did mine, I staggered the joints a little.

I added about 6 inches of wire to each on mine, as I cut back a bit to get clean copper, and it can get to be kind of tight near the frame. I do plan on pulling the engine at some point to freshen everything up, though.

[gltriker]

Sweet! Running voltage is 13.6 -14 depending on where the contact is with my meter.when on the throttle it goes up to 14.8 anywhere the contact is. As for the bike being off. Which I just let it sit for 15 mins. 13.8.

Chang_G_Wing, you never told us what particular year and model GL you are working on/own.
Please, put that information in your signature line for our collective reference.