[Keynes]

Hi, my burgman 650 is 5 years 6 months old and had only 68 000 km (abt 42 000 miles) on it when the alternator (magneto) failed, battery couldn't be charged, a mechanic replaced it with a new one, the removed alternator had a burnt coil. The whole job (labour + parts costed me S$800 (abt USD645))!

Is 68 ooo km a norm for a stock alternator? Is it common to have a burnt mark in the alterantor? Anyone have this experience to share?

Thanks.

 

[farqhuarforever]

Re: Hw long can the alternator (magneto) of a Burgman 650 la

Is 68 ooo km a norm for a stock alternator? Is it common to have a burnt mark in the alterantor? Anyone have this experience to share?

Thanks.

No, no and no. :wink:

 

[Keynes]

Re: How long can the alternator (magneto) of a Burgman 650 l

What could have caused the burnt mark in one of the coils? What is the usual mileage (or duration) before the alternator need to be replaced?
It was 19 days ago when I noticed the battery was getting weaker and the burgie couldn't be started. Thinking it was the fault of the battery (in fact I was quite disappointed at that moment as the battery was only 9 months old), I replaced it with a new battery costing S$120 (abt USD97), but 3 days ago the 16-day old battery gave way, the burgie wouldn't start again. I got a jump start from a car nearby and drove to my usual workshop. After checking, the mechanic confirmed the alternator was not charging, and upon opening it up, one of the coils of the alternator was found to be burnt.
My question is, is there anyway to prevent future recurance of this pre-mature failure of the alternator (I believe it is pre-mature failure).
I ride about 200 km per week consisting of trips less than 20 km, with many start-stops, I'm always gentle on the throttle. I tour on country road once a year usually more than 2500 km. I don't think it was due to my riding style. I also maintain my burgie regularly.

 

[Chérie]

Re: Hw long can the alternator (magneto) of a Burgman 650 la

Not problem generally report here, you probably get unusual bad alternator, it happen sometime.

 

[Ralph M]

Re: Hw long can the alternator (magneto) of a Burgman 650 la

Only time I have seen a modern alternator fail is if the regulator fails and overcharges the battery
so overloading the alternator, check the battery volts with the engine running should be about
14.2 volts.

 

[Keynes]

Re: Hw long can the alternator (magneto) of a Burgman 650 la

ok. thanks.

 

[Buffalo]

Re: Hw long can the alternator (magneto) of a Burgman 650 la

Mine has gone out at 96,600 miles. I've got a new one waiting in a box to install when my leg heals enough I can get out and do it.

 

[MJR]

Re: Hw long can the alternator (magneto) of a Burgman 650 la

It's my understanding from what I've read posted here that since the stock charging system uses a current shunt method to regulate voltage that this would cause the stator to run at full load all the time which could lead to a failure due to constant heat/load. Now if the rectifier/regulator goes bad it could take out the stator also.

There is the MOSFET PWM rectifier/regulator upgrade which changes the charging regulation method from current to voltage. This varies the load on the stator as needed instead of running it fully loaded all the time. Since your working on the charging system anyway upgrading the rectifier/regulator to protect your new stator might be wise.

http://roadstercycle.com/Shindengen%20F ... %20kit.htm

 

[ErikDK]

Re: Hw long can the alternator (magneto) of a Burgman 650 la

All brands of motorcycles have their share of burnt-out alternators and regulator/rectifiers.

Suzuki V-strom 1000, BMW F650 singles and various Triumph triples to name a few of the many known models.

Eighties Suzukis were notoriously bad in that area.

 

[Dave_J]

Re: Hw long can the alternator (magneto) of a Burgman 650 la

It's my understanding from what I've read posted here that since the stock charging system uses a current shunt (short to ground)method to regulate voltage that this would cause the stator to run at full load all the time which could lead to a failure due to constant heat/load. Now if the rectifier/regulator goes bad it could take out the stator also.

There is the MOSFET PWM rectifier/regulator upgrade which changes the charging regulation method from current to voltage. This varies the load on the stator as needed instead of running it fully loaded all the time. Since your working on the charging system anyway upgrading the rectifier/regulator to protect your new stator might be wise.

http://roadstercycle.com/Shindengen%20F ... %20kit.htm

In the current shunt type, the silicon rectifiers will put all the current not need for the operation of the electrical demand to a hard ground (negitive). This is why it will over time cause the stator to fail. The MOSFET type will clip the voltage off when its not needed and the stator just rests idle so to speak. It happens in millisecond's, on and off.

There is not a plug and play MOSFET unit out there that I know, but it is an easy modification to change or splice the wires.

 

[ErikDK]

Re: Hw long can the alternator (magneto) of a Burgman 650 la

The MosFet types shunt to ground as well, but they do it in a way that's not so hard against themselves and the alternator.

The regulators that cut the current are rare, larger and have their own issues.

 

[Dave_J]

Re: Hw long can the alternator (magneto) of a Burgman 650 la

The MosFet types shunt to ground as well, but they do it in a way that's not so hard against themselves and the alternator.

The regulators that cut the current are rare, larger and have their own issues.

U R Right, sorry.