So is it safe to assume that the generator light should come on when the ignition is turned on then go out on start-up as in most cars? if so then I either have early bike/late Reg or the bulb has blown/been removed........................probably!

My understanding is that the 10th character of the VIN number is the year code.
R=94,S=95,T=96,V=97,W=98,X=99,Y=2000,1=01 etc.
However I could be corrected at any moment.

That's correct. Earlier 13-character VINs don't encode the model year. Newer 17-character VINs code the model year just as you describe.

it's having a whole new unit fitted, as for the gen light, mine dont light up at all!!!! blown bulb, or no bulb, I'll have to have a look,
the bike's also imported, so my log book says declared manafactured 1997,
but could be earlier. will be glad just to get it back on the road again!

So no way to determin the year?

Do you have 2 or 3 yellow wires feeding into the regulator? There should be a connector behind the battery tray. Check this hasn't melted.
The 2 wire types are notorious for it, but it still happens on the 3 wire type to.
If it has, cut it out, cut the wires back to good and fit some new connectors. Tape them up to keep things clean and see how you fair.
15V does sound high though, but worth a check. It'll be cheaper than a new reg/rec unit.

I don't think of the SBK's lit the genny warning light? I've only seen ST's I think.............??

Sorry for the late reply, mine turned out to be just faulty wiring, unit was fine, just the wires at fault.

good thread. my rec has gone putting 15.5-17.5 volts in to battery.pooped battery. £45 battery,£55 rec. ouch.:(:borg::(

15 volts is too much it should be around 13.5 max at the battery, this should be pretty constant regardless of engine revs once above tickover.

If it's a 98 bike it won't have a Ducati decal on the tank.

My yellow cables were fried at the plug connector, do as suggested, although I just used inline crimps with no problems since.

If your battery reads less than 12.5 volts off the bike after a full charge it's probably knackered.
Just got a DETA 16AL-A2 battery, very good quality just over £35

ps. I don't know what i'm talking about.:burn:

[Edited on 29-1-2006 by sharpo]