Battery Warning Light

[gearnutlab]

I have a 04 1100S (no ABS) and I was riding home last night after having a new front tire installed when the battery warning light come on. Everything seems to be working and since I don't have a manual for this bike I am looking for some help on what the light is trying to tell me.

[Drews323i]

The battery is not charging. For what reason will need to be investigated. Broken/slipping alt belt. Bad alt.....

[nathanmargolis]

I am not a big electrical trouble shooter, but the first thing I would do is start the bike, get your volt meter out, run the bike up to about 2,000 RPM, and check the voltage at the battery terminal. Rule of thumb is you need a minimum of 13.7 volts. If not mistaken, when I check my '04 R1100S is was about 15 volts.

This will tell you if idiot light is working properly and if you really have a true charging problem. Changes are you probably do unfortunately.

If your belt is loose, there usually will be a chirping noise.

Does your bike start right now?


Nathan
Houston, Texas

[JimMoore]

My bet is a broken alternator belt. It's kinda rare now, but it used to happen pretty frequently.

[tjs]

Originally Posted by JimMoore

My bet is a broken alternator belt. It's kinda rare now, but it used to happen pretty frequently.

+1. tjs

[gearnutlab]

Thanks for all the help. Finally got back into town and pulled the cover and found the remains of my alternator belt. A new one has been ordered, and i should be back on the road soon. Thanks everyone for the help!

[nathanmargolis]

Glad to see it will be a relatively easy fix and was that obvious.