I need help with honda ch80 (scooter) starting?

Question

I have to charge battery almost daily or it won't start without a jump. I already put in new battery. What else could it be?

I tried to take it to the dealer, and another mechanic, but both have at least a 3 week waiting list until they can even look at it. I did replace the battery.

Answer 1

Most likely the alternator. The alternator charges the battery when it is not powered up/in use.

You can take the whole scooter to Battery Warehouse or any mechanical shop and they should be able to test the the alternator and battery ampage to indicate if it is the alternator.
We have Battery Warehouse here in Maryland, otherwise I would try a mechanic.
It's relatively simple to diagnose.

Answer 2

You're scooter also has a regulator / rectifier in the charging system. The alternator puts out AC voltage. The rectifier changes it to DC voltage. The regulator only allows a specific amount of voltage to go to the battery. Any excess voltage put out by the alternator is sent to ground.
Off hand, I don't know the specific amount of voltage a ch80 alternator puts out (motorcycles put out over 50 volts AC). Without knowing the specs, I doubt if a "battery warehouse" will diagnose your charging system correctly. Either buy a shop manual and troubleshoot the problem yourself or take it to a Honda dealer.

Buy a shop manual or ask your dealer if you can look at theirs to get the charging system specs - volts, ohlms of resistance, which wires to check them at. Sometimes on slow work days, if you call the parts department they'll get the info for you. If it's a slow day they'll have nothing better to do and helping you will break up the monotoney - no weekends or lunch time. Best time is usually about 3-4:00
Bring the specs and scooter to any bike, auto repair shop or someone who knows how to use a volt / ohlm meter.