Honda XL 125 S - Starter problems in the African bush
 

Hey everyone

I'm riding my Honda XL 125 S through Africa from Switzerland. If you're interested, check out my HUBB Blog https://new.horizonsunlimited.com/ts...frican-stories.

All was well until about two weeks ago when I started having (ehem) starter problems. I went through 3 new alternators and several bush mechanics until finally deciding to backtrack to Dakar to find a professional electrician. After each alternator change I managed to roll 30 - 100 km. The electrician in Dakar changed my 6V to a 12V system (new regulator/rectifier, CDI and battery). After this I managed to roll for about 500 km until my bike stopped again. Luckily I had a spare CDI which got me the 340 km out of the bush and into Conakry. Now I'm having a long and hard think.

I don't want to have to replace my electrical parts every couple of 100 km and would like to solve the underlying problem that keeps killing them. Any insight is highly appreciated!

Thanks and peace
Chris

Maybe clarify: you have a starter problem? What are the symptoms? Your bike dies while under way, and THEN you have a starter problem? Parts are getting fried? How do you know? What made you decide to start replacing alternators? Etc.

Response
 

Hi Mark

Thanks for your reply.

The first time around, the bike turned off mid ride and I couldn't get it going again. The roadside mechanic I pushed the bike too said I needed a new alternator. I didn't do any proper analysis myself at the time (this was a mistake). After that the next two alternators (I think) were broken, because a cable inside was either frade or cut through. With these the bike didn't start again, after stopping.

Since the "complete" renewal of the electrical parts for the 12V system, I assume the CDI was fried, because when I put a new one in, I could start the bike again. Also here the bike didn't start up again, after stopping.

Thanks for your help.

Chris