Ariel Owners Motorcycle Club

Hello there
I am currently recommissioning a 63 Arrow that is in good order except there is no charge and the battery discharges overnight . Am i right in thinking the regulator is at fault ?

Arrow and Leader electrics rely on the rectifier to prevent the battery discharging.

The only regulation of battery voltage comes with switching pairs of alternator
coils into circuit when the headlamp is switched on.

The original rectifiers fitted to the Arrow and Leader had a short life and this is
likely to be your problem.

Or a bad battery! Does it loose charge when not connected to the bike?

hi i would test the battery first then check the rectifier

its a brand new battery ,holds charge when not connected ,the bike has been unused for a few years i am in the process of recommissioning the wiring harness is in very good condition and every thing functions .

What voltage is the battery and do you know if a previous owner has fitted an electronic
regulator?

The original rectifier lived behind the drive-side tank badge. It's actually a bridge rectifier
and a little patience and a multimeter should show which if any of the diodes are
leaking.

the bike is very original and is as left the factory at 6 volts , the rectifier is a Lucas component and is mounted in its original position .there has been no butchery of wiring or any thing added witch makes a refreshing change .

The original switched charge control was pretty poor and it wasn't uncommon for
owners to swap the alternator coil pairings to increase the charge at low revs.
This had the effect of boiling the battery on a longer run with the displaced acid
eventually rotting out the battery support, the front part of the rear mudguard and
the body surrounding the battery aperture.

This 'unregulated' charging can be too much for some modern batteries so some
extra care may be necessary. This is a problem I'll have to surmount when I
finally get my Arrow going as it is like yours still on the original 6-volt system.

Whatever battery you have, if it has a vent tube it wants to be routed so there is
no chance of acid or fumes from it getting onto the bike or riders.

I'm pretty sure your problem will turn out to be the rectifier.

I have replaced the old Lucas rectifier with a solid state one and i now have a happy arrow with plenty of charge and no flat battery . thank you WILL CURRY for you help.
regards oliver

I'm pleased that things are now working as they should and that I was able to help.