Key components of a charging system
The first thing to get your head round is what exactly you're dealing with. Most motorcycle charging systems consist of just three main components: a battery, an alternator, and a regulator/rectifier.
In basic terms, the battery stores the electrical energy that components, like your starter motor and lights, need to work when the engine is not running. The alternator generates the current needed to power those components when the engine is running, as well as keeping the battery charged.
The regulator/rectifier rectifies (changes) the alternating current (AC) produced by the alternator into a direct current (DC) that can be received by the battery. It also regulates the amount of current to prevent overcharging.
Amber warnings
The red flag that there's a fault somewhere in your bike's charging system is, of course, that your bike won't start. You'll just hear a 'click' from your starter motor, or nothing at all. There are some early 'amber' warnings that something is up though, these include:
SLOW CRANKING
If the engine struggles to turn over when you try to start it in the morning, it could be a sign your battery is on the way out.
BATTERY WARNING LIGHT
Most bikes have one. If it comes on whilst riding it means that your battery is no longer being charged by the alternator.
HEADLIGHT
If your bike's headlight gets brighter as you rev the engine and dims as it falls back to idle, this could be a sign your regulator isn't working properly.
PARTS PLAYING UP
Many of your bike's components rely on a steady supply of electricity to function properly. If things like your digital dash start malfunctioning, it could mean that something's wrong.
ROUGH RUNNING, OR LACK OF POWER
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