Wrecked Rectifier

[WBC]

Hello

Just after some advice. Recently bought a Honda Firestorm from a friend who had owned the bike for 2 years/15000 miles problem free.

Just got home from a quick ride (30 mins) got off the bike and saw smoke pouring out from the seat unit. Located the smoke to be coming from the rectifier.

I have done a little research and it seems that this is a fairly common problem on the 'Storm. One solution is to replace the unit with a more robust and cheaper Yamaha item (R1/6) which I think I will do.

What I am worried about is if anything else electrical has been damaged and if I fit a new rectifier the problem will occur again. Is there anything obvious I should check? Will the battery be knackered? As far as I am aware everything (lights, indicators etc) was working before I jumped off the bike. Hopefully once a new rectifier has been fitted the bike will be fine (or is this hopeful thinking?)

Thanks for your advice

Will

>> Edited by WBC on Tuesday 7th June 14:47

[andy4200]

Seems like a fairly common problem with most Hondas. The earlier ones were just flat and got quite hot. The aftermarket ones have cooling fins on them which seems to help a bit.

When mine went it melted the connector into the rectifier. I couldn't find a replacement without buying a new loom so I just crimped on some new individual connectors.

It can sometimes take out the battery. To check, take it out and have a look. If the battery is knackered then you can generally tell as the sides will bulge a little from being overcharged.

If there is yellow wires going into the rectifier (3 i think) they are from the alternator and if you can get a hold of the service manual for your bike you can check the resistance values on them. I've got the CBR manual but I assume the values will all be different for different bikes. The CBR was 0.1 - 1.0 ohms between yellow and yellow and no continuity between yellow and earth.
The green goes to earth and the red or red/white goes to the battery via a fuse.

[WBC]

Cheers Andy

Much appreciated. Just need to get hold of a new rectifier and keep my fingers crossed that nothing else has gone wrong!

[BliarOut]

Also check the connectors..... If they're a little loose or corroded they will generate a higher resistance and cook the rectifier

These guys do stronger rectifiers and being in the states, the exchange rate makes em pretty cheap.

www.electrosport.com/

[WBC]

BliarOut said:

Also check the connectors..... These guys do stronger rectifiers and being in the states, the exchange rate makes em pretty cheap. www.electrosport.com/

Thanks.

Will check the site out

Will