1994 VT1100, charging/battery issues?

[bullzeyet]

Or a small propane gas bottle. They have some smaller soldering propane thingies in places like Habour Frieght, Tractor Supply, Pep Boys. Just make sure you don't burn the other wire insulation.

Bullzeyet

[95shadow1099]

The connector does not look corroded or burnt, but I know it's just a matter of time.

If you don't fix this, I almost PROMISE it will cause problems.
Mine looked great too.......

I ain't YET installed my Wally world lights.....I will be following your progress on fixing this issue.....

[Dunesgirl]

Originally Posted by 95shadow1099

If you don't fix this, I almost PROMISE it will cause problems.
Mine looked great too.......

I ain't YET installed my Wally world lights.....I will be following your progress on fixing this issue.....

Yeah, agreed. I just have other stuff at the top of my priority list right now (non-bike related) so it's gonna be a while.

When I do fix this, I will post a progress report.

[DaveCarlson]

"When it comes to getting one of the above stated R/R kits, I assume a soldering iron is a must-have?"
Always a good idea to solder connections. Once you see how easy it is, you'll be a pro in no time. The key is to use the iron or gun to get the wire hot enough and touch the solder to the hot wire and letting it flow into the wires. If you just melt the solder on top of the wires you have twisted together, you will get a lousy connection that falls apart pretty easily. Oh, by the way, put some shrink tube on the wires and slide it away from the joint BEFORE you solder. I've done soldering for more years than I care to remember and I still forget...
Dave

[PainterD]

Soldering irons are cheap and should be a part of your tool collection if you work on bikes. Another idea (if you might have one) is a wood burning iron, which also works well for soldering. I've used one for years to solder wires until I finally bought a soldering gun.
I've gone ahead and cut out alot of the plastic connectors on both of my bikes and soldered/heat shrinked the wires together. I never had a problem with cutting wires and re-splicing them if I need a new part (that's how I role)
I found more problems over my 35+ years of riding with the plastic connectors corroding and having poor connections, that I decided any connector that suseptable to moisture or road debris, will be cut out and soldered to prevent any problems out on the road. It's just piece of mind knowing my charging system is working properly without worrying about those cheaply made plastic connectors coming apart of corroding, especially when I ride in the rain.

[KelKel]

If you put the fog lights on make sure they are switched to be able to turn them of when starting. I ran into the exact same issue on my 85 vt500c. I wired the fog lights to come on with the key switch and then it just refused to start. The starter was moving VERY slow, so I rewired it to a switch and turned them off when starting and there have not been any problems since. Apparently 2 55w halogens draws too much power away from the starter. I have not had any trouble keeping the battery charged though