TOPIC:

Hi, Neubie here....

I have an 81 Gpz1100 that when I put on the brakes the volt meter goes down. Is it supposed to do this?

I thought the regulator was supposed to prevent this?
I have also burned 2 stock stators out.....

Do I maybe have a short?
What is the best way to test my system, I am handy with a meter etc....

Brant

I put an aftermarket volt meter on my bike and the voltage drops anytime I use an extra electrical device: brake light, turn signal etc.

Oh, and welcome.

Pix are a must for all new members.
Love the GPzs.

Hi Brant,

Here's a writeup for a 1000. I'm sure it's not exactly what you're looking for but it's a start.


KZ1000 Charging system diagnosis

Hope it helps

KZCSI

As to why the stators are burning out I would look at the plug where the three yellow wire are going and the condition of the electrical connection. As I have stated yesterday my 82 GPZ1100 B2 smoked/burned some wires in the winding I think was related to the vibration make/break that was going on.

If it drops a lot... could be signs of a weak battery and or weak charging system and or too much load for your charging system.

Best of success!

I use a Kuryakn volt gauge... doesn't have readings but uses colored LEDs on my 79 KZ1000E1 ST. I just bought a volt meter for my touring bike, an 88 Voyager ZG1200B1 but haven't installed it yet. The Kuryakn gauge is super easy to install and the lights are easier to decipher than numbers in a real small package which is helpful if you are old and semi-blind like me.

Well I pulled my stator and tis burnt with a vengeance...

The exact wire that was mentioned.
Ordered a new from RM stator.

Checked my electrical plugs. They were corroded.

Put some Craig Deoxit on em including the regulator plug.

Charge my battery, put a battery trickle charger on it.

I get the new stator today........

Brant

The whole electrical system on these old kawasaki's needs to be gone through with sandpaper (corrosion), brake cleaner (clean) and dielectric grease (prevention) on an at least bi-annual basis to keep them viable. As a bonus the dielectric grease keeps the insulation on the cables soft as well.

wiredgeorge wrote:

I use a Kuryakn volt gauge.....

I have the same gauge... two of the green LEDs burned out in the two years I've had it...

Could the be replaced?

wiredgeorge wrote:

Could the be replaced?

Hmm. I just disconnected it and forgot about it... it looked like a missing-tooth smile when it's lit up, and of course it was the most important LEDs that died... probably because they were always going on and off....

Anyway, I never thought about replacing them. The worst part is that I have it stuck on the face of my tachometer with that industrial-strength two-sided tape they put on there...

You know, it was helpful in the early days of having my bike, figuring out the wiring, before I did the coil mod, and before I replaced the fuse box... I guess I don't really need it anymore anyway...