Stator failure on AM commute

[Mesozoic]

It finally happened - a balmy 50*F morning ride and the battery indicator lights up and the voltage shows about 12.0V and dropping. Fortunately, was able to turn around and return to my garage to grab a different bike.

So what's the best recourse? I've heard obtain a Rick's stator and perhaps perform/obtain the oil cooling mod. I figured I might also entertain replacing the regulator for an upgrade while I'm at it. I could smell the stator when I parked the bike, not sure what else would've fried. Probably needs an oil change now.

 

[34nineteen]

I’d first verify whether the stator (and) or the regulator failed.

I don’t know how you would have smelled a failed stator since it’s inside the case. Regulator… sure

If you can get the EDM drilling done on the rotor, I’d recommend that first as (IMO) that is the root cause for charging issues on the 09-up 1125’s. Everything else is a band aid.

Maybe Buell can do it, since the 1125 and 1190 are “basically the same platform”.

 

[Cooter]

What year is the bike? -08?-09? I have all sorts of 1125 parts, including a new stator., Harley "fix" harness. Not sure if the rotor is drilled. PM me if you need something.

 

[Mesozoic]

The bike is a 2009 1125CR. I've not torn into it yet, but I will eventually. The bike has been running the Harley "fix" harness since I've owned it, I figured I'd deal with it one day, but have not had an excuse to until now.

 

[Cooter]

Once you test to verify (EZ and in the manual), post up.
The VR is a standard piece and even has "Ducati" molded in the body. Thats a more common failure than a stator, even on these.

I used to hate the Harley 'fix' thinking it was a band-aid, and dismissing it's brilliance. If it was an OE feature, we'd be impressed When the charging system doesn't need to supply full amperage, it simply turns off one stator leg to keep the amp dump to a minimum and that keeps it cool.

A better solution would have been a MOSFET, non-shunt style of VR (and you can dive down that wormhole if you want) but either way, fix the issue, upgrade if you want... but Id leave the 'fix'.

 

[34nineteen]

I used to hate the Harley 'fix' thinking it was a band-aid, and dismissing its brilliance. If it was an OE feature, we'd be impressed When the charging system doesn't need to supply full amperage, it simply turns off one stator leg to keep the amp dump to a minimum and that keeps it cool.

Ok, McConaughey… I’ll give you that one

 

[Cooter]

Alright alright alright

 

[Mesozoic]

Well, it's been a minute, but I finally got a motorcycle lift in my shop and decided to rack the 1125CR. Didn't take more than about 2-3 minutes of perusal and I found the 3-wire connector from the regulator has burned the insulation off of at least 2 of the leads to the point where one of them has completely detached from the Deutsch connector. So... at first glance it seems as if the regulator failed, but it could just be a symptom of some other component failure, right?

Sorry for the tiny image, the forum shrunk it and I don't see any options to make it larger. Actually, if you click on the image it does enlarge.


Ran the stator test as outlined in the electronic diagnostic manual. The resistance across all the stator sockets is exactly 0.21 Ohms for 1-2, 2-3 and 3-1. None of them are shorted to ground either, so I guess the stator is actually fine. This must be a regulator failure. I've read a few things about regulator replacement and with all the burned up connector housings, there's no reason to go with an OEM, but if anyone's got suggestions on series style (non-shunt) regs, please let me know.

 

[Tbone]

I have used ROADSTERCYCLE.COM and the The Super Mosfet Kit FH020AA. He has a higher end one as well, SH847. I used the original harness and did not do the bypass.

 

[Mesozoic]

I ended up replacing the regulator with a Rick's unit and the machine is up and running once again, with much better electrical performance this time as well. I kept the H-D harness mod in place and have a new battery as well. I ended up replacing several of the Deutsch connector since mine were practically destroyed.

 

[Cooter]

Thanks for posting up the last chapter. So many times we get 'HEEELLLPPPPP! I NEED HELP TODAY! BIKE WONT START!!!!' then ghost...

Glad you got the bad connector fixed and back on the road