1987 XL250R Charging System Problems
 

I have an XL250R that has been sitting in a shed (bought not running) for about 5 years. I took it most of the way apart, did some paint work and put it all back. It starts and runs great now, but will not charge the battery and the headlight does not work (battery is new). I have had many old Honda's, and I am aware the the alternator rotors are prone to failure. However, I don't want to shell out the cash for a rebuilt one without knowing that the problem is actually there. I can't find a good troubleshooting guide specific to this bike. Does anyone know the exact steps/readings/etc. that I should get when checking various components on this bike?
Thanks a bunch!

Re: 1987 XL250R Charging System Problems
 

I have the Clymer for this specific year/make/model of bike (see my rebuild thread in the Cycle Corner). Want to borrow it? Additionally - i would LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE to come by and take some pictures of the vent & oil line routing on your bike. I'm rebuilding from scratch (it was disassembled when I got it) and looking at the routing and setup would REALLY help me out.

Free this week? Shoot me a PM. I'll bring a case of beer for your troubles. And the clymer for you to take a gander at while i'm there in hopes of it helping you out.

Edit: of course, this depends on whether or not you live farrrrrrr farrrr away.

Re: 1987 XL250R Charging System Problems
 

I have the Clymer manual also; for some reason I remembered it as having crappy troubleshooting steps for this. I guess I was looking the wrong place, and will give it another try.

Although my bike was basically in one piece when I bought it (and is again, after tearing it down to the frame), there were several items missing, notably the charcoal canister and most of the rest of the emissions stuff. I have quite a few pics already, and can take more if what I have is not helpful. I live in CA, so I think it would be a bit of a drive (!) for you.

Also, I have been enjoying reading about your journey and looking at your pics of working on this bike. Old bikes are great fun! I think the only complain any of us have is that you only put in one so-so pic of your girlfriend. I think you should fix that!

Re: 1987 XL250R Charging System Problems
 

Most of these pics were ones I took as I was dismantling the bike, so I could put it back together and not have parts left over!

Hopefully these are of some use to you. If there is an area you are not clear on, just let me know and I will shoot some more

Re: 1987 XL250R Charging System Problems
 

Those were incrediblyyyyy helpful. Thank you so much. I'll be sure to ask you if i need additional ones as I get nearer to completion. Have you tried asking your question over on advrider? a nice group of guys have been helping me through this assembly. very knowledgable -- probably have some advice for ya.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=570373