Hitchcocks Forum

Hi All

I have a 2011 Woodsman which has been pretty reliable so far! Was out yesterday and noticed that the indicators were not very bright. After a quick roadside diagnosis realised the bike was not charging. Was only about 25 miles from home and she got me home no problem.

Checking things out this morning I discovered one of the fuse holders inside the electrics box was showing signs of getting hot. Replaced the fuse holder and fuse and the bike is now charging but the cable's to that fuse get hot when bike running.

Had a similar issue on another bike and it was the voltage regulator/rectifier is it a reasonable bet that's the culprit in this case?

If so I notice our hosts do a replacement non OEM replacement which can allow the bike to run with or without a battery, would that be a good investment or stick with the genuine parts.

This bike does some long runs, a 1700 miles in 3 days event coming up at the beginning of July with the Ironbutt association so reliability is important.

Your thoughts are appreciated

I think your right, a power box would be a good conversion in regard to reliability, maybe also change the battery if its the original..

In any case i think a strenuous effort should be made to correctly diagnose this fault for certain before throwing parts at it..

Could be a cell shorting in the batt or simply a poor earth to frame giving high resistance and overheat probs..

Get the meter out and get some readings... good luck with the iron butt.. gwilly

Hi

Thanks for the advice will check the earth etc, this bike is already a veteran of the Iron Butt it's nice to do these events on something other than a BMW GS

Tell us about the Iron Butt thing. I have a soft private school educated rear that needs knocked into shape. This sounds up my street. Seriously, am interested in this event, sounds like I need to do it on my Woodsman.

Hi

The Ironbutt Association is a long distance riding group first established in the US, we have had a very active UK arm since 2008 details at http://www.ironbutt.co.uk basically the starting point is 1000 miles in 24 hours, surprisingly easy on a modern Enfield as I found last year when it beat 13 Triumph triples back its amazing how far you can travel at 55 - 60 if you keep going

Always on the lookout for different types of bikes and riders to join us we have a good social scene as well. We have a ride to eat most months, when we meet up somewhere eat, talk, eat some more and than ride home. There is two next month 4th July in John O Groats at 12:00 the second at 12:00 on the 5th in Lands End ! Hence the need to get the bike sorted or I may have to ride a Pan European

Try using heavier gauge wire before shelling out for a new regulator...

Interesting - I had a look at the website and must admit would like to do one - John O Groats looks good. Is the big risk fatigue, falling asleep, hip lock, neck pain etc etc??!!

Back on the original problem... does anyone know how to test the EFI reg/rectifiers? m