Cooked battery, rectifier?

[Highlander]

About 10 days ago, my battery went dead, almost 3 years old. So I go buy a new battery, AGM, same spec, at Batteries +. Always had good life with those, and I get a substantial discount through the shop I used to work at. Install new battery, wire brushed the terminals clean. I went for a couple hour ride, came home, and the bike wouldn't start, battery dead. I removed it, to see the seals over the negative cells puffed up. I thought it was a bad battery, so I took it back, and they replaced it.
I installed the new battery, and removed the tail section, to inspect the wiring at the rectifier, and all looked good. I went for a 120 mile ride, and when I stopped for gas, I smelled a nasty odor, and the new battery was very hot, and the sides had a slight bulge. I've searched and read the forum, and I'm assuming I have a bad rectifier/regulator. So, I'm looking at buying a new battery, and OEM rectifier/regulator. I wanted to get you guys opinions on this before I get them. Thanks in advance! Great group here that has just about seen it all.
Oh yeah, 2007 Gen 1, 32K miles, all stock except for slip-ons. First problem in 17 years! I'm not complaining!

 

[Bumblebee]

Sounds like the rectifier/regulator has gone south....

However, I'd check the voltage with a multimeter to be 100% sure...I'd wager it is overcharging....

 

[Highlander]

Sounds like the rectifier/regulator has gone south....

However, I'd check the voltage with a multimeter to be 100% sure...I'd wager it is overcharging....

Thanks, B! I'll get a new battery, start it, and check the voltage at the battery. From what I've read, it should be between 14.3 - 14.5. If it's over, replace the rectifier/regulator? Correct me if I'm wrong, please. Thanks again

 

[GIXERHP]

OEM or Ricks Motorcycle Electrics!

After Market Motorsport Parts from Rick's Motorsport Electrics

Aftermarket Motorsport Electrics parts for motorcycles, dirtbikes, atvs, motosport vehicles manufactured and distributed by Rick's Motorsport Electrics

ricksmotorsportelectrics.com

They also have a great video section, on how to test the component's correctly

 

[Bumblebee]

Thanks, B! I'll get a new battery, start it, and check the voltage at the battery. From what I've read, it should be between 14.3 - 14.5. If it's over, replace the rectifier/regulator? Correct me if I'm wrong, please. Thanks again

That's the way to go....

I would bet it's overcharging....

 

[Kiwi Rider]

Thanks, B! I'll get a new battery, start it, and check the voltage at the battery. From what I've read, it should be between 14.3 - 14.5. If it's over, replace the rectifier/regulator? Correct me if I'm wrong, please. Thanks again

Can I just say, whenever you have a battery issue ALWAYS check the voltage at the battery terminals to verify the general state of charge when it's resting (engine NOT running) and also when the engine IS running.This is BEFORE you do anything else. A volt meter is so cheap these days, no excuses to not having one.
If the battery is flat causing slow or no cranking, charge it, test the resting voltage, and then start the engine and check the charging system's voltage at the battery terminals.
Should be 13.6v min to 14.5v max.
Resting voltage for a healthy battery is 12.7v.
The most important thing about trying to fix a problem is to ALWAYS check for the CAUSE of the problem first, before assuming it 'just needs this' or 'just needs that'.
You cooked a perfectly good brand new battery because you did not test the voltage from the charging system to the battery.
Anyway, we live and learn and face another day lol.

 

[BlueBacon]

OEM or Ricks Motorcycle Electrics!

After Market Motorsport Parts from Rick's Motorsport Electrics

Aftermarket Motorsport Electrics parts for motorcycles, dirtbikes, atvs, motosport vehicles manufactured and distributed by Rick's Motorsport Electrics

ricksmotorsportelectrics.com

They also have a great video section, on how to test the component's correctly

I got Ricks when I switched to a Li-ion battery...2 or 3 years ago, and no issues since. I have had stuff slide out of the trunk space and into the battery compartment tho!

 

[sixpack577]

I got Ricks when I switched to a Li-ion battery...2 or 3 years ago, and no issues since. I have had stuff slide out of the trunk space and into the battery compartment tho!

Thanks for the link, it reminded me that I need to get a rectifier for a lithium battery for my '03 Gsxr1k, as I don't want any charging problems.
I'm going to replace the stator too, as I am replacing most everything maintenance related on this bike, in the hopes that other than the engine(which seems fine), everything else will be like new when I'm 'finished' with it.

 

[zucchero]

Thanks for the link, it reminded me that I need to get a rectifier for a lithium battery for my '03 Gsxr1k, as I don't want any charging problems.
I'm going to replace the stator too, as I am replacing most everything maintenance related on this bike, in the hopes that other than the engine(which seems fine), everything else will be like new when I'm 'finished' with it.

I have recently ordered a SHORAI lithium battery for 2019 GEN2 busa.Do I need to change the OEM rectifier or I am good to go with the OEM one.

 

[sixpack577]

I have recently ordered a SHORAI lithium battery for 2019 GEN2 busa.Do I need to change the OEM rectifier or I am good to go with the OEM one.

Technically you do need to change it, but many people run lithium batterys with stock regulator/rectifiers and never have a problem...I put a Shorai lithium in my friend's '18 Gsxr1k over 4 years ago, it still has the factory regulator/rectifier, and has never had a problem either.
However, once in a while the oem reg/rec's don't like lithium batterys(there is a legitimate reason, that I won't try to explain here, so I don't get it wrong, lol), and you can have charging issues, kill the battery, or even overload and burn wiring, it can quickly get more expensive than the $170ish that a lithium battery regulator/rectifier costs.
And me...Murphy's Law...if something can go wrong, chances are it will...yeah, lol.
I have alot of time and money in this oldie already, and I don't like to cut corners or take those kinds of risks.
So that's why I'll be buying one.

 

[zucchero]

Technically you do need to change it, but many people run lithium batterys with stock regulator/rectifiers and never have a problem...I put a Shorai lithium in my friend's '18 Gsxr1k over 4 years ago, it still has the factory regulator/rectifier, and has never had a problem either.
However, once in a while the oem reg/rec's don't like lithium batterys(there is a legitimate reason, that I won't try to explain here, so I don't get it wrong, lol), and you can have charging issues, kill the battery, or even overload and burn wiring, it can quickly get more expensive than the $170ish that a lithium battery regulator/rectifier costs.
And me...Murphy's Law...if something can go wrong, chances are it will...yeah, lol.
I have alot of time and money in this oldie already, and I don't like to cut corners or take those kinds of risks.
So that's why I'll be buying one.

Burnt wiring,dead battery.Now that is one thing no one will ever want to happen.I am certainly going to change OEM rectifier/regulator now.
Thank you for the info.I truly appreciate it.