Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual: Alternator Inspection

Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual / Electrical System / Charging System / Alternator Inspection

There are three types of alternator failures: short, open (wire burned out), or loss in rotor magnetism. A short or open in one of the coil wires will result in either a low output, or no output at all. A loss in rotor magnetism, which may be caused by dropping or hitting the alternator, by leaving it near an electromagnetic field, or just by aging, will result in low output.

Turn the ignition switch to OFF.

Remove the left upper inner fairing (see Upper Inner Fairing Removal in the Frame chapter).

Disconnect the alternator lead connector [A].

Connect the hand tester as shown in the table 1.

Alternator Inspection


Special Tool - Hand Tester: 57001-1394

Start the engine.

Run it at the rpm given in the table 1.

Note the voltage readings (total 3 measurements).

Table 1 Alternator Output Voltage at 4 000 r/min (rpm)


If the output voltage shows the value in the table, the alternator operates properly. The regulator/rectifier is damaged.

If the output voltage shows a much lower reading than that given in the table, stop the engine and inspect the stator coil resistance.

Stop the engine.

Connect the hand tester as shown in the table 2.

Special Tool - Hand Tester: 57001-1394

Table 2 Stator Coil Resistance at 20°C (68°F)


If there is more resistance than shown in the table, or no hand tester reading (infinity) for any two leads, the stator has an open lead and must be replaced. Much less than this resistance means the stator is shorted, and must be replaced.

Any hand tester reading less than infinity (∞) indicates a short, necessitating stator replacement.

If the stator coil has normal resistance, but the voltage check showed the alternator to be defective; then the rotor magnets have probably weakened, and the rotor must be replaced.

Charging Voltage Inspection
Check the battery condition (see Charging Condition Inspection). Warm up the engine to obtain actual alternator operating conditions. Remove the front seat (see Front Seat Removal in the Fr ...

Regulator/Rectifier Inspection
Remove: Upper Fairing Assembly (see Upper Fairing Assembly Removal in the Frame chapter) Right Inner Fairing (see Inner Fairing Removal in the Frame chapter) Bolts [A] Regulator/Rectifi ...

Other materials:

External Shift Mechanism Inspection
Examine the shift shaft [A] for any damage. If the shaft is bent, straighten or replace it. If the serration [B] are damaged, replace the shaft. If the spring [C] is damaged in any way, replace it. If the shift mechanism arm [D] is damaged in any way, replace the shaft. Check the s ...

Air Switching Valve Removal
NOTICE Never drop the air switching valve especially on a hard surface. Such a shock to the air switching valve can damaged it. Remove the air cleaner housing (see Air Cleaner Housing Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter). Disconnect the connector [A]. Disconnect the hoses [B] from ...

Air Cleaner
A clogged air cleaner restricts the engine’s air intake, increasing fuel consumption, reducing engine power, and causing spark plug fouling. This motorcycle’s air cleaner element consists of a wet paper filter, which cannot be cleaned. The air cleaner element must be replaced in acco ...