[NewRedRider]

tweak, if you go back and redo the test again and record the voltage at idle through 5,5k rpm you'll see that the alternator is still charging. You only measure at 5,5krpm because that's the peak capacity of the system or worst case scenario.

Regardless of the test results I would buy a charger w/ a built in regulator so it won't overcharge the battery if left on overnight. Charge the battery every 3-4 months and the problem should go away. The sad truth is no matter if the system is perfect you still need to charge the battery every so often to keep it conditioned.

I consider anything below 13.0v (bike off) to be low battery voltage. A good battery should be around 13.5-13.8v when fully charged. If it gets below 12.6v it won't crank sometimes especially if the starter and battery are already hot. And if it drops below 12.4v you can forget it.

 

[NewRedRider]

mudokan, Don't use anything larger than a 1amp charger. Have you checked the battery voltage with the bike off? What about at 5,000rpms w/ high beams on?

Check out this thread for more details on testing the R/R.
http://www.600rr.net/vb/showthread.php?t=60188&page=5&pp=15

 

[NewRedRider]

yeah battery voltage with the bike off is around 12.5V-12.8V (using an analogue multimeter) and at 5000rpms with high beams 14.0V

Your battery needs charging. Should have @ 13.5v when it's fully charged.

 

[NewRedRider]

How long did you leave it on the battery? What's the peak voltage when it's charging?

 

[NewRedRider]

didnt have time to measure the voltage whilst the the trickle charger was attached ... but its usually on the battery over night or for at least a couple/few days inbetween rides. i spoke to a guy where i bought the battery from and he said that the plates may be heavily sulphated and that a boost charge may "loosen" it up ... i guess i'll try to get it to him to see what he can do about it ...

but NewRedRider, i read your post in the following thread ... http://www.600rr.net/vb/showthread.php?t=60188&page=4&pp=15 ... your battery stats seem like what im getting. was this a problem for you and did a new r/r fix this?

I still have the original battery and R/R. Both have 23k miles and over 2 years. Charging the battery every few months is what solved the problem.

Does your charger have a built in regulator? What was the voltage on the battery after you charged it?

 

[NewRedRider]

Clean your ground cables. Especially the one on the left side of the frame.