i have a 2004 Foreman S. The battery keeps going dead. Before i go buy a new battery, i want to make sure the charging system is working and have been told these have a stator (similar to a alternator) Is there any way to check the stator to verify it is charging.
I can pull start the bike and it will run with no problem.
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks

 

Does the battery go dead once you get the quad started and are riding?

I usually trickle charge the battery until completely charged and then disconnect the battery cables. Let it sit 3-4 days and then try to start the quad (after reconnecting the battery cables). If it won't start then your battery is bad. If it fires right up then you might have a bad electrical switch that is causing a drain on the battery when the quad is just sitting.

/Jon

 

Jon, Thanks for the reply.
I have it on trickle charge now and plan on riding sometime this weekend. Either way i will disconnect the cables and let it sit for a couple of days and then see what happens.
thanks again

 

The battery can be taken to an auto parts store, like napa, for a load test. This will show if the battery is the problem or not. They will do this for free.
If the battery tests good, then youll need a voltmeter, to check the charging system. The service manual says, to start with a known good battery, (a bad battery will screw up the results), and with the voltmeter hooked up, across the battery..turn on the lights, and on high beam. Rev the motor to 5000 rpm, and the voltage should be 14.7 to 15.5 volts. If it does...the chargeing system is good.

 

Thanks Honda,
I took the battery up to a local parts store and the battery is no good. I bought the 4 wheeler brand new last August. I guess I will find out tomorrow if the dealers 1 year bumper to bumper warranty is good.
Thanks again to both of you that replied

 

Let us know if they replace it, I really doubt that they will. Shop around for a good price, or see if they can cut you some slack on the price of a new one.