Electrical problem

[Mitch]

I have a 1993 Honda Nighthawk 750.  Just installed a new battery and after only a couple of short rides the battery was dead.  Any thoughts on what the most likely issue could be?  Alternator, Stator?  I just got hold of a voltmeter and ordered a repair manual.  I'd like to avoid an expensive trip to a dealer/repair shop.  Since the bike is old maybe I can try and get a replacement part from a salvage yard?  Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Mitch
captaindoit@excite.com

[MikeL]

It is probably the Alternator. What this does is recharge the battery so that it does not go dead.

What I would do first is take the battery to your local auto shop and have it tested so that you are sure its not the battery either.

Other than that just take it to the dealer. They charge you a flat rate to check whats wrong with it. You can then decide if its worth you fixing it yourself or have them do it.

[bandit99]

I have a 1993 Honda Nighthawk 750.  Just installed a new battery and after only a couple of short rides the battery was dead.  Any thoughts on what the most likely issue could be?  Alternator, Stator?  I just got hold of a voltmeter and ordered a repair manual.  I'd like to avoid an expensive trip to a dealer/repair shop.  Since the bike is old maybe I can try and get a replacement part from a salvage yard?  Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Mitch
captaindoit@excite.com

IT IS EITHER THE RECTIFIER OR ALTERNATOR. START THE BIKE AND THEN REMOVE THE BATTERY LEAD THE BIKE SHOULD COUTINUE TO RUN AS THE ALTERNATRO SHOULD BE PRODUCING ENOUGH POWER  OR KEEP THE BATTERY CONNECTED AND CHECK ACROSS THE BATTERY WITH A VOLTMETER IT SHOULD BE READING ABOUT 14VOLTS DC