/ Featured Article
How to tell if your stator is on its way out
The stator is responsible for supplying your motorcycle with much-needed electricity.
Motorcycle electrical systems are becoming increasingly complicated as more and more features are being added to new models. Several years ago, low displacement scooters and commuter motorcycles were relatively simple. These days, however, motorcycles like the Yamaha NMAX feature high and electronic components such as LED lights, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, and even traction control.
While all of these features make the motorcycle more premium and elevate the riding experience by a substantial margin, they also increase the risk of malfunction. That’s just the way it is, the more techie features, the more likely something is bound to go wrong. When it comes to your bike's electrical system, the stator, or alternator, is undoubtedly one of the most important components. It is, in fact, responsible for providing electricity to the various components of your motorcycle such as the lights, instrument panel, and riding aids. In this regard, let’s take a look at a few telltale signs that your stator is on its way out.
Low battery voltage
Apart from generating alternating current to power your bikes electronic components, the stator is also in charge of charging the battery. As such, a telltale sign that your alternator is malfunctioning is if your battery consistently displays low voltage, especially if your bike has been running for some time now. If your motorcycle does not come with a built-in voltmeter, you can use a multimeter or purchase an aftermarket voltmeter and wire it properly into your electrical system.
If your motorcycle has been running for a few minutes, your battery voltage should read somewhere between 13.7 to 14.5V. If the voltage continues to drop even while the engine is running, then chances are you have a stator problem. Do note, however, that a low battery voltage issue is not a guaranteed diagnosis for a stator problem, but rather, a way to guide you to find the root of the issue.
Various electrical issues
Various intermittent electrical gremlins can also be a sign of a failing alternator. These can manifest themselves in many, small, and annoying ways. For instance, you may find that your instrument cluster just suddenly switches itself off, and you are riding with what appears to be a dead instrument panel. When you stop to address the issue and restart your motorcycle, your instrument panel suddenly Springs back to life. Other issues can come in the form of lights flickering intermittently, various warning lights such as check engine lights and other sensor issues popping up, or the worst, your engine just dying out of nowhere.
Changing the battery doesn’t fix it
Of course, The easiest way to check electrical issues would be to inspect the battery. Oftentimes, the symptoms of a failed stator can be mistaken as a faulty battery. That said, if you have already replaced your battery and find that your electrical issues persist, then chances are you have an issue with another part of your electrical system. It could be that the regulator/rectifier is malfunctioning. If your voltage is consistently low, and other errors persist, then chances are there’s an issue with your stator.
Luckily, replacing your stator is a relatively straightforward job, but one we recommend to be done by a professional mechanic. This is because the stator is housed inside your motorcycle’s crankcase, and requires the removal of your engine casing, the draining of oil, and the replacement of gaskets once installed. If you think your motorcycle’s stator, or any other vital electrical component, is on its way out, we suggest not riding your bike until the issue has been resolved, as this can result in you being stranded, or worse, an accident due to sudden failure of your vehicle.
Related Articles
-
Axial versus radial calipers - brake technology explained / Featured Article
Today, let’s talk about the differences between radially and axially mounted calipers, and determine the situations which are ideal for either.
-
Is your motorcycle out of warranty? Be sure to check these items ASAP / Featured Article
If your motorcycle is out of warranty, it’s now your duty to make sure you stay on top of its maintenance no matter what, or run the risk of facing a hefty repair bill.
-
Three reasons why you need a dual-sport motorcycle in your garage / Featured Article
Here are a few reasons why you need a dual-sport motorcycle in your garage, and a few reasons why they’re the most versatile machines on two wheels.
-
Think twice before installing these 3 motorcycle modifications / Featured Article
When it comes to upgrading your motorcycle, you may want to think twice before installing these 3 mods.
-
3 warning signs that a motorcycle has been in a serious accident / Featured Article
Let’s take a look at three warning signs that could point to a motorcycle having been in a major accident, and being repaired to hide its past.
Latest Features
-
Axial versus radial calipers - brake technology explained / Featured Article
Today, let’s talk about the differences between radially and axially mounted calipers, and determine the situations which are ideal for either.
-
3 things that make the Honda ADV 160 the perfect small-displacement all-rounder / Featured Article
Here are three reasons why the new Honda ADV 160 is one of the best small-displacement scooters in the market today.
-
Is your motorcycle out of warranty? Be sure to check these items ASAP / Featured Article
If your motorcycle is out of warranty, it’s now your duty to make sure you stay on top of its maintenance no matter what, or run the risk of facing a hefty repair bill.