Electrical surge??

[Dodonne2]

1981 GS550 T with 23,000 miles.
New stator less than 5k

back story.
Bike has had charging problems for 5k miles, I keep a spare battery with me to switch out because it has a bad draw I can't seem to find. Replaced stator 5k ago, next move was to replace the R/R which I haven't done yet.
The problem:
i was riding home on highway and at 65mph bike lost all spark to the engine. Display lights and head lights still work but no spark to the engine. The starter won't even engage or tey to turn when I push the start button. What did I possibly fry on this bike by continually running it with a voltage draw somewhere? I know I need to replace the R/R but what would have caused all electrical to the engine to stop entirely. All fuses are good. All grounds are good. Battery is good. Any thoughts before I start pulling it apart to look for a fried component?

[tom203]

"because it has a bad draw I can't seem to find. Replaced stator 5k ago, next move was to replace the R/R which I haven't done"

Likely place for a mystery draw is the r/r....even with key "off".
Anyways, welcome...electrical/charging issues are real common on these critters. How long have you had this bike?

[Dodonne2]

"because it has a bad draw I can't seem to find. Replaced stator 5k ago, next move was to replace the R/R which I haven't done"

Likely place for a mystery draw is the r/r....even with key "off".
Anyways, welcome...electrical/charging issues are real common on these critters. How long have you had this bike?

yes I figured the R/R was the draw issue, I just hadn't had time to get a new one yet. I've had the bike 4 years, bought it from original owner with 7700 miles.

would over draw on the stator due to constant charging to make up for the electrical draw cause s surge through the electric system?

[tom203]

I hope that you haven't been carrying a spare battery around for four years!
A faulty r/r won't let your stator do its job...and also might be your mystery leak when key is "off". Get a new/ or previously used unit installed and do this Quick Test in this link - this will get you some clues as to your issues.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?164993-Charging-System-QUICK-TEST/page2&p=1272192#post1272192

If you got some time, try this link for info overload

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?152769-GS-Charging-System-Health&p=1138531#post1138531

[Burque73]

yes I figured the R/R was the draw issue, I just hadn't had time to get a new one yet. I've had the bike 4 years, bought it from original owner with 7700 miles.

would over draw on the stator due to constant charging to make up for the electrical draw cause s surge through the electric system?

If the r/r is shot you'll have loads of extra power going through the system. The way I understand it is it doesn't draw from the stator, it takes all the power and sends the appropriate amount to the right places. Whatever is leftover, since the stator is always cranking out power, is either turned into heat by a series r/r or sent (shunted) into the frame with a shunt r/r.

Basically the same thing happened to me. With a bad stock r/r it was charging the battery at 18v. Killed two batteries before I learnt my lesson. New sh775 and all is well.