Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Yes, sounds like the alternator.  If you have a voltmeter, try measuring the voltage across the battery with the engine running.  If the alternator is working it will have about 13V on the battery.  If not, the battery voltage will be around 11V and will drop with time as the battery loses charge.

In theory you should be able to disconnect the battery once the bike is running (provided the alternator is working), but in practice these days with computer-driven bikes, this is not a good idea and might not work or might even damage the electronics.

no voltmeter I'm afraid, need bike for level 1 training on Sunday, live in Melkbos so travel to Donford to have a look will be a mission, any suggestions for local help on west coast?

I'm in the South so quite unfamiliar with the options that side.  Possibly take it to Cape Bike Travel in town.  Ruan will sort you out.  If it is the alternator you are probably not going to make the training.  But, it might also just be a fuse or wire.

As far as I know, Donford are also running a pickup service from the Northern suburbs.  May be an option given that your bike might not make it all the way to Stellenbosch if it has to run without an alternator.

I am in Bothasig........bring it to me and I will check that it is charging.

I am at home.

Geoff

0828078130

Geoff, as suspected is a complete star.

I rode over, he got out his little box of magic and advised the battery was f$%^&d, alternator was fine. 30 mins later all sorted with new battery and running like a dream. Thanks Geoff, I owe you a pint 

Pleasure Tim, I will accept one with pleasure.