QuestionHow hard is it to repair or replace the generator
it seems as if the generator is not charging the battery. The bike has a voltage gauge on the bike when it is running what should the voltage show I hve seen form 12.9 to 9.9 thanks. Any idea what it will cost to replace the generator. thanks.
AnswerHi John,
I suspect the alternator will need replaced. It's common with that year and model. Honda had a recall for this problem a few years ago.
Replacing the alternator on the Goldwing is a major repair. The engine must be reomved from the frame to access the alternator.
When I worked with Honda, this repair paid 19.6 hours of time to the tech. That's 19.6 hrs. at the dealer's flat-rate. The average flat-rate is about $48 per hour today.
Most shops have a ten year rule, meaning they only service motorcycles upto ten years old. Some shops will only service motorcycles upto five years old. Finding a shop to perform the work on this older GL may be a challenge.
An output test will help determine the condition of the charging system. The 85-86 GL's were prone to charging system failures. A recall was established to fix the problem. Part of the fix included using heavier gauge wiring on the alternator's leads.
The battery must be in good condition and fully charged to obtain accurate meter readings.
Something you may check:
Check the alternator electrical connector for evidence of heat damage or corrosion. Repair or replace accordingly.
Removing the electrical connector and soldering the yellow wires direct helps reduce resistance in the circuit. This mod alone has helped with other GL owner's problem. Others were not so lucky. Consider trying this mod and then check charging voltage.
Below are several GL tech links to help you. You'll find articles about charging system problems in some of these websites.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
http://bbs.gwrra.org/scripts/board/discus.pl?pg=topics
www.electricalconnection.com/index2.htm
www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Plateau/2800/gl1000.html
http://wings.astcomm.net/main.html
www.randakks.com
www.goldwing-world.com
http://msproul.rutgers.edu/motorcycle/gwfaq.html
www.partsnmoreforum.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=bd440b013c03f7c2c36c17d483404c03
www.bikersbonanza.com/goldwing_accessories.htm
www.epilcher.com/gl1000/carbs.htm
www.wingthings-texas.com
www.wingworldmag.com/archives/march2004/magazine/department/workbench.html
www.bikebandit.com
www.electrosport.com
http://www.randakks.com/TechTips.htm
http://www.consolidateddiversions.com/gltip.html
http://archive.gwrra.org/board/messages/16685/7401.html?1000244811
http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/clutch_installation.htm
