Hello, I have a 2004 Monster S4R. I charged the battery and went out for a ride, after an hour the bike began to backfire then dies. This occurred the next time as well. I have noticed that the voltage regulator gets very hot, other than that not much different. Could it be the battery? Bike stored for winter, battery on trickle with optimate 4 charger. possibly alternator? voltage regulator? how do I check? I am not an experienced motorcycle mechanic but i do know my way around a multi meter. any other suggestions? Just want to buy the right part the 1st time. should i start with a battery? Thanks
Hello, I have a 2004 Monster S4R. I charged the battery and went out for a ride, after an hour the bike began to backfire then dies. This occurred the next time as well.
.
Did it take as long (an hour) to occur the 2nd time?
Could it be the battery? No
Bike stored for winter -
How many times out since stored?
Stored with Stabil? Full tank? Empty tank?
possibly alternator? No
voltage regulator? No
any other suggestions?
Start with plugs, not battery. Ugly Bastard is right, this is most likely a fueling issue and it's possibly linked to the storage of the bike / crap in carb.
Check plugs. Likely very dark and fouled. And can happen in an hour or less for sure. Crap in carb / bowl / float / needle lets fuel continue to flow when it shouldn't, giving you a rich condition, more fuel than you can ignite, fouling plugs and backfiring (the likely combustion of unburnt fuel), making it run terribly bc plugs can't spark properly
Recap- check plugs, not battery. Post pics if you want
I may not have been totally clear in my description. It appears it is the battery that dies when I am out riding. The bike starts to backfire then dies, Unable to start, nothing. Only able to start by rolling start after backfiring starts. Bike continues to back fire then dies again. I thought maybe backfire due to battery voltage not sufficient. After charging the battery fully the bike runs great again for an hour or so.
2nd time about the same amount of running time and starts. 2-3 start ups.
Fuel stabilizer added to fuel for winter, tank full, I will pull plugs and look.
Rode the bike a few times prior to this beginning. no long rides, but seemed to run okay. burned through 2 x tanks of fuel.
But usually it's the regulator, due to its position (lack of cooling).
Been there, done that
Order a new one from ducati, plug and play
You might have to replace plugs to the alternator (3 yellow wires)
I have upgraded to FH020 regulator, which shuts off when overheated, so doesn't break. But requires some work to make it fit at the original location, and using new connectors
See the link to the Triumph forum page, tells you the steps to follow for diagnosis.
And yes, it might as well be the alternator, or wiring.
Several recent cases I have seen on monsters with exact the same symptoms, including my own, and all of them had broken regulator.
That made me jump to conclusions :wink
Thanks to all who gave their guidance on this issue. Turns out it was the stator/alternator, I also replaced the regulator as well. All seems good now.
Sorry it took so long to get back to this thread, I was at sea.
Thanks again
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