Had my bike (3EN2) connected to an Optimate for a while during its rebuild. Thought I'd have a sneaky ride round the block, as I've just finished the bodywork.
When I got back after a couple of miles, I turned it off then tried to start it again only for the battery to be pretty weak and it wouldn't start.
After half an hour back on the Optimate and 2 green lights, it started again.
Any ideas what it may be. Everything works as it should ie lights, horn, indicators, exup valve, fuel pump, so I've no idea where to start looking.
I bought the battery (Tanya) about 4mths ago but have only started the bike 5or6 times since.
There is another issue with the way it runs, lovely and clean upto 4-5 thou then chokes. There is a bit of exhaust haze (not blue) and smells rich.
Anyway, I'll worry about that when I solve the battery issue
Cheers

You can buy a cheap voltage meter like this;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Green-LED-Min ... 43de061a30

Extend the leads to the battery and Velcro it to the instruments for use as a road test unit.

The battery isn't charging from the alternator, so either the alternator is duff or it's the reg rec. Everything works because there's charge in the battery from the ultimate.

Recharge the battery and check it with a volt meter, it should be about 13v, they run the engine and it should be 14v ish. when you rev the engine it shouldn't be any higher than 14.6v. If it peaks 15 to 16v the reg rec is dead, if it goes lower then its the alternator.

Thanks for that, first job on saturday !!

Ok EC, checked as you described and ended up with around 11.9v when revving, so looks like the stator is goosed.
Never touched one before so are they easy to remove, can they be repaired.
Can I test it by using a multimeter on the 3 white wires for continuity ??
Whats your reccomendation, and are they all the same over the different models
( sorry for all the questions in one post but its taken me 12 mths to restore and I just want to get out and ride it !!!!!)

It is far, far more likely the r/r has failed .

There are loads of "how to test a generator using a multimeter "instructions.

Go here and download the manual; you will need to register on the forum !

http://www.fzrarchives.com/ipb/index.ph ... opic=36294

3tj generators are the same as 600 foxeye / thundercat items. They're bolted to the inside of the cover but need a bit of grunt to remove - use an impact driver
A reg rec can undercharge too so I can't rule it out.

Gonna take stator to an auto electrician to make sure. Done all the diode tests on the RR and all seems to be well with it.
To be honest, when I put the lights on, theres no dimming or brightening when it is revved. Pain in the arse though with the tank in and out, not a lot of movement just to put it to one side.
Is the pre formed petrol pipe that goes from the pump to the carbs still available ??

It should be a red pipe from the pump to the carbs there should be a curvy preformed pipe from the fuel tap to pump which isn't available

Heres the culprit !!!! Managed to get a stator from a donor engine and is charging fine now
One more job to do before its complete is order a carb seal kit from lite tek.