My 1985 Honda Shadow 700 doesn't maintain a charge. How do I keep her running?

Question

My bike does not stay powered. I will jump it then it dies. It seems like an altenator but i don't know if my bike has one or how to replace it.

Answer 1

My 1995 Honda Shadow 600 VLX was also having the same problems. I replaced the battery...after riding a bit, the engine stopped firing again. I recharged the battery, rode for a bit, and the engine died again.

It turned out that the wire to the solenoid for the battery had been run underneath the frame (instead of over). The chain drive had cut the wire, so no charge was going from the alternator to the battery.

Answer 2

There are two (2) possibilities, one is the battery is bad, or your alternator is not putting out enough current to keep it charged. I have a 1100 Shadow, which I keep on a trickle battery tender when it is parked for any lenght of time. I suggest you take the bike to a shop and have battery tested (of course) and if it is ok then see what the alternator is putting out.

Answer 3

First, test your battery. If its not holding a charge, then that's your culprit.

I would tend to think its the battery, since this often occurs with older batteries.

If not, then take the bike in to the local shop and have them test charging system. Most places will do this for free.

Answer 4

Another problem that hasn't been suggested is the regulator/rectifier.
Before you randomly start changing parts that can cost up to $250 each, figure out what's wrong by checking the charging system.
Purchase a shop manual for $30
http://www.motocom.com/motorcycles/

Answer 5

Change The Battery..5 AA batteries should be fine

Answer 6

I would check the battery first. Motorcycle batteries are small and do not last very long. Take the battery to a shop and have it checked.