Motorcycle Repair: How to check the Regulated Charging Voltage on a 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650

**Always follow the instructions in your repair manual when doing repair or maintenance work on a motorcycle. Manuals can be found at the dealer and online.**

To check the regulated charging voltage on a 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650, requires a voltmeter, ratchet, extension, and a 8mm and 10mm socket. The first step is to warm up the motorcycle to operating temperature. After the bike is warmed up, remove the side panels and seat to get access the the battery terminals. The battery must be in good condition and be fully charged and the battery terminals should be clean and making good contact with the battery. According to the Clymer manual a fully charged battery must measure 13 or more volts, but I think anything over 12.6 volts is fully charged. After determining that the battery is good and fully charged, run the motorcycle at 3000 rpm and turn the headlights on bright. Place the meter leads on the battery terminals and measure the voltage. You should get a voltage between 13.8 and 14.8 volts.

If your measured voltage is out of range, than obtain a wiring schematic for the motorcycle. If the voltage reading was low, than check for a open or short circuit in the charging system wiring, and also check the alternator stator, and condition of the regulator/rectifier. If your reading was high, than check the condition of the regulator/rectifier, and check all connections related to the regulator/rectifier. A bad battery can also cause a bad reading, so its very important to make sure the battery is fully charged and functioning correctly before checking the regulated voltage.

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