Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Charging problem refuses to respond to usual cures

[moto748]

Apologies for yet another boring "charging" thread!. My bike hasn't really been right for some weeks now. While back I had a flat battery at work. Got a jump-start, and got the bike into dock. Stock gel battery was beyond recall (2001 748). Standard Yuasa 16Ah battery was fitted. Alternator and reg/rect both checked and serviceable. Problem was traced to corroded connectors on loom. Connnectors cleaned, 14.5 volts when running, job's a good 'un. Week or so later, flat battery again. Gel battery as stock fitted. Charging voltage re-checked and OK.
Yesterday, drove home from work in car to pick up bike, and it's a no-go yet again.


I should added that my pattern of use is pretty good; the bike is ridden (nearly) every day, and for a decent distance. Had no charging probs in over 60000 miles on Ducatis before.

Seems to me one of two things is happened here. Either the charging voltage indicated "in the workshop" is only intermittent, or there's some large voltage drain on the system.

Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

[BTW I ordered one of those LED (LCD?)voltmeters recommended on another thread. Unfortunately the bike didn't last until I took delivery]

[Edited on 6-5-2004 by moto748]