My bike isn't charging properly

If your battery is not good even though you might get a surface charge that is okay it will likely not charge sufficiently to operate the starter and other electrical systems of the bike.

The connection where the alternator stator wires plug into the regulator could be corroded/dirty and need to be cleaned and sprayed with electrical contact cleaner and protected with dielectric grease because corroded wires going to the battery or alternator from the stator or the regulator will affect the ability of the charging system to properly charge a battery.

Initially check the voltage with a voltmeter across the battery posts at about 2000 rpm. If it is between about 14.3 and 15 VDC it is charging okay If it is above 15 VDC you have an overcharging problem which is not being properly controlled by the regulator. If it is charging at less than that you could check the regulator ground first by running a wire from the regulator frame or body directly to the battery negative post and if that does not increase the charging voltage then the ground is okay so next you could check the stator integrity.

To check the STATOR. Turn ignition key switch OFF, then disconnect the voltage regulator connector from alternator stator wiring. THEN connect an ohmmeter set on the RX1 scale with one lead into either of the stator sockets and the other lead to a good ground. And test for continuity - a good stator will show no continuity (0 ohms) across either stator socket - any other reading indicates a grounded stator which must be replaced. THEN remove the ground lead and insert lead it into the other stator socket - the resistance (with ohmmeter still set on the RX1 scale)should be 0.1-0.2 ohms - if the resistance is lower a stator short is indicated. Which means that the stator is damaged and must be replaced. - if the resistance is higher (OL on meter), an open is indicated and again, the stator is damaged and must be replaced. You should check socket 1 to 2 then 1 to 3 then 2 to 3.
Before testing short out the ohmmeter leads against each other and if they do not produce a reading of0 ohms subtract the reading you do get from any readings you get doing the stator checks in order to get accurate stator circuit readings, otherwise you may have out of range reading due to the internal and/or lead resistance of the ohmmeter.

Bring it to a certified Yamaha mechanic

the fans should turn on when coolant is hot , I would go to a motorcycle electrician

I would start by checking the fluid to make sure it's at the proper level, Then check to see if the thermostat is opening like it should. If you have good flow and you get heat inside the car but the car still overheats I think I'd be checking for blown head gaskets and head warp.

sounds like your charging system went out, this isn't a new problem to bikes and alot of older bike have this issue. First was your car running when you jump started your bike?? If so this can cause damage to the charging system. if your not sure how to replace the stator and reg/rec i will happey to help you get it done. please understand that this does take some thinking and removing the tail, left hand body parts and the lh side cover of the motor. If your will to take it on let me know. If not your local bike shop can fix your bike in about a week if they have to order parts. the stator on your bike isn't the cheapest and reg/rec isn;t that bad as far as price goes. you'll need oil a filter and a new gasket for the motor cover and the charging system parts.
let me know what you would like to do.
M.Woodring
[email protected]

The wires from the Stator to the Regulator/rectifier do get very hot. Remember that the stator always puts out maximum power and the reg/rect shunts what ever your bike does not use to ground. A very wasteful thing to do, but that is what Suzuki decided to do with most of their models. There is a yahoo email group for these bikes joined through a link at suzukicavalcade.com - try it.

Sounds like the stator or pulse coil are shot

Common problem with poor quality parts, the regulator is the problem, the generator is working other wise you would not have fried the wiring, you answered your own question. someone telling porkies to get more money from unsuspecting client?
The regulator controls the voltage not the generator, the generator only supplys the voltage it cannot overcharge unless the regulator is not working properly, simple!

14v is not overcharging. 16v is pushing it. I'm with the regulator opinion, but I would also load test your battery. If the charging system thinks your battery is low it will try to compensate by putting out max voltage, putting additional strain on the regulator, which in turn overcharges the battery... creates a vicious cycle. Is the regulator in a spot where it gets quite warm? They have a tendency to overcharge when hot. If that is the case, try relocating it or directing more airflow over it.

just a suggestion but your grounds are ok