signs of a bad VR

[tclayton9]

I was just riding home when I noticed my lights would get real bright then dim. It was doing it constantly and sometimes it would stop at normal brightness. When I got home I felt the battery and the terminals were not hot and the battery wasn't boiling. I didn't smell any smoke at all either. I did however purchase a Walmart battery in Feb. Do you think its the battery or VR.

[DonTZ125]

Possibly either. Check the DC voltage across the battery terminals at 3k rpm; it should be 13.5-14.5v

[tclayton9]

Could I use one of these to test everything. My job has one.

http://www.gnbsystems.com/testers_bva200.php

[DonTZ125]

That tests the battery only, and it has to be disconnected. To check the running voltage at the battery, you need a voltmeter. If your work has a battery tester, they probably have a voltmeter or multimeter.

[tclayton9]

I haven't had time to get my hands on a voltmeter but I'm almost positive its my battery. When I'm running about 70 my lights shine to full force. As soon as I drive 55 and slow and speed up the dimming happens. Also when my bike sits along time and when i begin to start the bike, it drags slightly. But once I start it right after a ride it turns over as if its a new battery. I am seeing nor smelling smoke or burning wires from my VR and I don't feel the VR getting hot.

[DonTZ125]

It could be the battery, but unless you're lugging the engine around 2k rpm doing 50, that sounds like it's either your stator or your VR failed low. The system isn't putting out enough juice at lower revs to balance the draw of the headlights and ignition.

[tclayton9]

Still have not had time to test any voltage but I did notice that with the switch on hair does not work but once I start the bike and ride it the horn works.