Newbie from Australia with charging problems

[Dazza57]

Love the forum. Just bought a 1990 FJ1200, first bike since 1988 (had 13 prior to that), 54,000 kms on the clock, sounds good goes well . . . except for the battery keeps going flat. I've purchased the workshop manual, and gone through the checks for the rectifier/battery. Have had the battery on a good charger and all came up good. If I use the headlight, it goes flat in about 200 kms. I have been trying to source a whole generator unit complete with regulator and rectifier with no luck so far. Can anyone tell me whether the generator is a weak point? If it isn't then I will try replacing the reg and rect, though the whole unit is not much more from what I have seen. My first emails have told me that all parts are x Japan, and I am no big hurry, just want it not going flat.

[Klavdy]

G'Day Daz,
nah, alternators are pretty low on the up shit list, more than likely it's your regulator.
Where are you mate?
There's a few Aussies on the list,we can swap out your alternator for a known good 'un, eliminate the problem step by step.
There's a good mod/replacement in the files for the regulator, look up "Handsome Pom" or click on THIS
Go through the FILES SECTION
With parts,fuck buying anything from the Japs, get stuff from our good mate Randy.
He's got great prices, the OZ $ is worth more than the Seppo dollar and stuff gets shipped out quickly, it'll be at your door within 5 days.

[Dazza57]

Thanks Klavdy, appreciated. Following the manual, I tested the rectifier output, and not being the most electrical of people, I don't understand the relationship between the rectifier and the regulator. The manual said if the charging volts were less than 13.5 (got 12.8 which was the battery charge), then check the rectifier, which I did and had several faults. So, looking at the prices of the rectifier and regulator, I thought buying the whole generator caboodle would in the long run be cheaper.
Grew up in NZ riding both dirt and road bikes. I now live in the NW of WA in Karratha. 30 years ago I had a 79 GSX1100 and then a 81 GS1000G. Did heaps of ks up here as well as an Easter 83 trip to see the bikes at Bathurst (17,500 kms in 3 weeks). The FJ will be a project bike as well as an everyday ride. Not into the long touring distances anymore, got that out of the system years ago, just some fun corners, wind in the face etc.

[Klavdy]

Karratha eh?
I Know it well and used to race in the Burrup 500.