Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Suzuki Tech
charging problem on DRZ 400 charging problem on DRZ 400
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Suzuki Tech Suzuki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Suzuki riders only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 277
charging problem on DRZ 400
Hi Guys,

I just bought for cheap a 2006 DRZ400 SM, thinking about converting it into an adventure bike.

The battery was dead and there was a charging problem according to the seller, because he kept changing batteries every year.

I tried it with another battery (a little bit smaller, but new one), and on idle, i have approx 14.05V, when I put more revs it goes down to 13.8V. I suppose it's not normal. Is it?

I googled and found out about the modificating where you cut the red and black wires from the regulator and replace then with 2 cables that goes directly on the battery, but before doing that, I wanted to ask first about my problem.

On thumpertalks, I red that you can check if the alternator is working correctly by unplugging the connector with the 3 yellow cables, and mesuring tension between them. The guy said that you should get 90V AC.

With idle, I only got about 30-32V AC, revving the engine it goes up to 80V.

Can someone tell me if it's normal?

Thanks in advance for your help.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 277
I found the answer myself. I post it here, maybe it can help somebody else:

the guy on thumper talks says:

Use a volt meter at the battery. This test needs to be done with a good and fully charged battery. Motor off key off - you should have 12.8 or more volts. Key on, lights on, motor off - around 12 volts is good. Motor running at idle - above 13 volts is good. High idle to around 3000 rpm - 14 to 14.5 volts is what you want to see. Suzuki says 13.5 is OK but that will not keep a battery charged. Many DRZ's will show the highest voltage at idle and the voltage drops as the rpm goes up. That is ok if it is above 14 volts. It is not really dropping but your test meter thinks so.

source:

Charging system diagnoses Plus the "Free Power MOD" - ThumperTalk
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Dec 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 36
Regulator connector
We had a problem on one of our DRZs and it was the regulator connector. The free power mod from Thumpertalk corrected it. At first I thought the regulator/rectifiier had gone, but it turned out just to be the connector. I gather people have spent ages chasing this problem, because the connection can get worse when it gets hot.

Sounds like you've already worked out the answer, but if you do have trouble start with that connector!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Dec 2011
Oo-SEB-oO's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canary Islands
Posts: 291
I own two of them and never had this problem...; i must say that every time to time I just plug in my charger when the bike's at home for a few days... just to be sure... Mounted a double 12V in front, near the ignition switch, just had to relocate a few things and everything works fine... I'll post a picture later.
__________________
Find us on Facebook or have a look at our website on wanderingsouls.be.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Feb 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Sussex, UK
Posts: 80
New battery every year on a DRZ does not imply a charging problem. Flat battery after a day's ride would indicate a charging problem. DRZ batteries are marginal, but given that most people would like the DRZ to be lighter, we only have ourselves (the buying public) to blame for stuff like this. Fit a new battery and you've got the makings of a great adv bike...

(Though you should have just bought mine instead... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ding-drz-61605)
__________________
brighton2expeditions
'02 Africa Twin (sold), GSX-R 1000 K5 (sold), '97 TL1000S, '08 DRZ400 SM/S, '92 CRM250
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
Around africa on suzuki drz 400 carlospezao Route Planning 6 29 Nov 2011 21:09
Laptop Charging Roameo Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 11 15 Nov 2011 16:22
DRZ and Low octane/ Leaded fuel Fantastic Mister Fox Suzuki Tech 2 8 Nov 2011 08:13

 
 

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 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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 13:22.

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