Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Africa Twin, 3 yellow alternator wires Africa Twin, 3 yellow alternator wires
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Aug 2010
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Africa Twin, 3 yellow alternator wires
There are 3 yellow wires which come from the alt. and which are normally joined to the reg/rect. by a connecting plug. Without a connector to tell these wires apart, how do you tell what way to connect it to a reg/rect?

The Haynes manual shows no way of telling which is which.

Any experience of this????
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Aug 2010
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
They go whatever way you like :-)

Have you removed the connector? (smart move)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Aug 2010
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Quote:
Originally Posted by AliBaba View Post
They go whatever way you like :-)

Have you removed the connector? (smart move)
The connector is fried and was cut off a while back. I'll have to just connect the yellow wires individually. D'you think the cnnctrs are crap anyway? Maybe you're right.

Have you actually connctd the yellow wires in any sequence? Is it OK?

Ta!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Aug 2010
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caminando View Post
The connector is fried and was cut off a while back. I'll have to just connect the yellow wires individually. D'you think the cnnctrs are crap anyway? Maybe you're right.

I've been through this on a friends bike.
This connection is extremely important, if it fails you can get an over-voltage that can give you one or more of the following symptoms:

*Light-bulbs burn
*Electronic devices burn (instruments, ignition-module etc)
*Battery boils
*Alternator fails

The symptoms will often be temporarily (worse in wet weather).

I'm sure this connector worked on the bike when the bike was new but what happens is that the spade-connectors gets corroded and simply put this make your regulator go bananas.
So yes, remove it or replace it with a heavy duty industrial plug.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Caminando View Post
Have you actually connctd the yellow wires in any sequence? Is it OK?
The three yellow wires are three-phase and you can connect them as you like.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Aug 2010
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Thanks for this info - I appreciate it
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Aug 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Nottingham U.K.
Posts: 96
I have had the same problem.For now I have removed the plug,cleaned the terminals and sealed them with heat shrink.I plan to chop the terminals out and solder in new wiring fairly soon.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Aug 2010
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Quote:
Originally Posted by trophydave View Post
I have had the same problem.For now I have removed the plug,cleaned the terminals and sealed them with heat shrink.I plan to chop the terminals out and solder in new wiring fairly soon.
I have been working today on this stuff. I have added an extra earth wire to the reg. (reg to neg battery terminal)as recommended by two different people.

I have cut off the connectors which remained, and am replacing them as Ali Baba suggests. I am sick of this problem - I've had it so often.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Aug 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Nottingham U.K.
Posts: 96
I am sure that I read somewhere that you can take the positive wire from the rectifier directly to the battery,you must use a 30 amp fuse.This avoids any corroded terminals in the loom.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Aug 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Nottingham U.K.
Posts: 96
A few weeks ago I fitted a PC cooling fan to the R/R on my AT as it was getting hot,too hot to touch comfortably.The three yellow wires were also getting very hot.As I mentioned in a previous post I chopped off the plug,cleaned up the connections then put it back together sealed up with heat shrink.Anyway the R/R was cooler but the three yellow wires were still getting very hot.
Today I chopped out the old spade terminals on the yellow wires and cut the wire back by about 30mm to get good clean wire.I reconnected then using new spades rather than soldering them as I think it makes roadside replacement of the R/R easier(I carry a spare)I then sealed it all up with heat shrink.
The R/R seems to run even cooler,barely even getting warm.The yellow wires are now cool to the touch.Tested the charging,all is good.
I will keep an eye on it but hopefully it's sorted,for now,at least.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 30 Aug 2010
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Quote:
Originally Posted by trophydave View Post
A few weeks ago I fitted a PC cooling fan to the R/R on my AT as it was getting hot,too hot to touch comfortably.The three yellow wires were also getting very hot.As I mentioned in a previous post I chopped off the plug,cleaned up the connections then put it back together sealed up with heat shrink.Anyway the R/R was cooler but the three yellow wires were still getting very hot.
Today I chopped out the old spade terminals on the yellow wires and cut the wire back by about 30mm to get good clean wire.I reconnected then using new spades rather than soldering them as I think it makes roadside replacement of the R/R easier(I carry a spare)I then sealed it all up with heat shrink.
The R/R seems to run even cooler,barely even getting warm.The yellow wires are now cool to the touch.Tested the charging,all is good.
I will keep an eye on it but hopefully it's sorted,for now,at least.
Apart from the fan, I've mostly done what you did, and found that good connections are not only a good idea but absolutely vital. I too have found that temps are lower. I am also, like you, checking the heat in the wires when I stop.

But this is really such a hassle that I wish Honda had sorted it out. They had enough time on this long production bike.

I dont know where you get your spare rectifiers, but WeMoto's are about £80. Honda charges about double I think.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Sep 2010
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Quote:
Originally Posted by trophydave View Post
A few weeks ago I fitted a PC cooling fan to the R/R on my AT as it was getting hot,too hot to touch comfortably.The three yellow wires were also getting very hot.As I mentioned in a previous post I chopped off the plug,cleaned up the connections then put it back together sealed up with heat shrink.Anyway the R/R was cooler but the three yellow wires were still getting very hot.
Today I chopped out the old spade terminals on the yellow wires and cut the wire back by about 30mm to get good clean wire.I reconnected then using new spades rather than soldering them as I think it makes roadside replacement of the R/R easier(I carry a spare)I then sealed it all up with heat shrink.
The R/R seems to run even cooler,barely even getting warm.The yellow wires are now cool to the touch.Tested the charging,all is good.
I will keep an eye on it but hopefully it's sorted,for now,at least.
Hi TD

I forgot to say that if you ride with your headlamps on, that reduces the temperature of the reg/rect. I'm just back from the Alps and the bike ran well without wires overheating.

Like you though, I need to keep an eye on things.

Next thing to worry about is the fuel pump! I suggest a Facet pump as an alternative.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 6 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Nottingham U.K.
Posts: 96
Being a tightwad I have replaced the points in an old fuel pump with a new set from Wemoto.That pump is now on the bike and the one off the bike that was working fine is now a spare.
Hopefully with a spare pump and R/R I should not have any problems with the bike.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 6 Sep 2010
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Thanks TD for the info that Wemoto sells points. I didnt know that and have a pump just waiting to be refurbished, as a travel spare.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 7 Sep 2010
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caminando View Post
Thanks TD for the info that Wemoto sells points. I didnt know that and have a pump just waiting to be refurbished, as a travel spare.
There is a trick to make the fuel-pump last longer, do you know someone with electrical knowledge? If so ask him to install a suppressor diode as close to the contacts as possible.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 7 Sep 2010
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Thanks AB. I have an article about fitting a relay there but I know bugger all about electrics. I will note your info till I find an autoelectrician
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
New regulator has only four wires? original had 5???? Pawlie Yamaha Tech 4 9 Aug 2010 04:01
3yf tenere ignition wires, how many?? begazzz Yamaha Tech 3 7 Mar 2010 13:02
Honda Varadero 1000-Africa twin 750 bring back the AFRICA TWIN traveller1041 Honda Tech 12 3 Feb 2010 19:53

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:19.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top