Dim Lights..charging system?

Ok here is what I have..
1980 KZ750E
All stock.
8,000 original miles
runs great (carbs do need a cleaning tho)
The problem I am having is that the dash lights and headlight are pretty dim. The voltage meter on the dash only shows 10-12 volts while running.
Just bought a new battery yesterday.
Thought maybe it was the Reg/Rec, switched it out, still the same. Like I said, she runs and rides great otherwise. Just a little concerned bout'the voltage and the dim lights.
Any suggestions?!?
Thanks in advance..
Josh-

Assuming the battery was fully charged before install, I would pull the stator cover and inspect. I had a similar issue and found that the wheel on the end of the crank was a bit rusted from water leaking down through the cover. I used a mild grit sand paper and freshened the surfaces. Now it charges at about 13.9v. Also, if that wasn't your problem, check the wiring carefully for corrosion and/or breaking. Hope this helps!

I would suggest getting a little digital multimeter and with the engine running at idle speed (about 1300rpm)connect the multimeter leads to the pos and neg terminals on the battery. If the charging system is working properly you should see a reading of about 12.5 or 13volts. This should incease to about 14.5 volts if you bring up the revs to 3,000 rpm. I'm not real exact on the expected readings as I dont have the manual with me at the moment. Anyway .......if you see less than 12.5v at idle then you have a problem somewhere in the charging system. Make sure all the connections at the battery are good and tight.
Hopefully someone with access to a manual can jump in with what the correct readings should be.

Good luck.

Post edited by: JR, at: 2006/05/18 22:12

Yes the battery was fully charged, I added the acid and trickle charged it for 24 hours. I followed your suggestion and cleaned up the wheel. I believe I have an electronic ignition..did they come stock like that in 1980?? I thought It would be a points system.
Anyway, after doing so, no change at all.
My bike has a fairing, so there is a bundle of wires inside a small bag towards the front of the fairing.
I guess my next move is to check them out for corrosion.
Thanks for the advice!
This site and the people here are the best!


77kz700? wrote:

Assuming the battery was fully charged before install, I would pull the stator cover and inspect. I had a similar issue and found that the wheel on the end of the crank was a bit rusted from water leaking down through the cover. I used a mild grit sand paper and freshened the surfaces. Now it charges at about 13.9v. Also, if that wasn't your problem, check the wiring carefully for corrosion and/or breaking. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the advice JR.
There are a lot of tools i need to get, with the multimeter being one. This is my first bike, so I have a lot to learn. I will be here a bunch I know.

The 1980 KZ750E1 came with electronic ignition. No points. Whoopee!

You can see the shop manual at www.mbsween.com/kz750l3/index.html thanks to mbsween who is also a member here.

Got home, checked manual. The reading should increase to 14.5 volts at 4,000rpm.

Got home, checked manual. The reading should increase to 14.5 volts at 4,000rpm.

Thanks again JR.
Gotta see if I can use a buddy's meter till I can get one of my own.
JR wrote:

Got home, checked manual. The reading should increase to 14.5 volts at 4,000rpm.