Hello all,
I recently pulled and cleaned the carb. Immediately after I had a hard time starting and drained the battery. Since then I have been unable to ride as the battery drains within minutes of starting the bike. I’ve reviewed schematics but am kind of dumb with electrical stuff so don’t really know where to start. I can’t find any disconnects. The bike makes a rapid clicking sound when I try to start it if it fails. A fresh battery lasts 1 start and then is drained.

TIA for any insight. Hope you all are well and happy.

Sounds like the battery is bad or the stator isn't charging the battery. Was it ok before you cleaned the carb?

It was doing fine before I cleaned the carb so I assumed I knocked something loose but can’t find the source. I’ve ordered a new regulator/rectifier in hopes that solves the problem. Hoping maybe someone else had a similar experience.

Also the battery is good. I’ve gone through a couple new ones in that elimination process.

There's a process for checking the charging system in the service manual. Some searching will likely find that listed here.

Thank you!

If you have a VOM you can measure terminal voltage at the battery. The OC voltage is 12.6V for a fully charged good lead acid battery. One start shouldn't deplete a good battery. But the headlamp and running lights draw current constantly and will eventually drain the battery. Keep in mind running a battery stone dead can damage it. With the bike running, you should see an increase in terminal voltage if the charging system is working. I think between 13.6V and 14.1V is typical. This will show on a VOM. If the battery voltage drops below 12.6V when the bike is running, your charging system isn't working. Connectors can corrode and wires can break. Sometime inside the insulation making it difficult to find. It's possible you damaged something when working on the carb.

As for phantom current draws, I've not heard of any on a stock XT225. This is easily checked with a VOM. Taking a voltage reading between the + battery terminal and the disconnected + battery lead should show 0V when the bike is off. With the key in the off position the battery circuit should be completely opened. If something is drawing current, it will show up on the VOM reading. Hope this helps.

Hello,
I have an 04 doing the same thing... New battery on order (2nd one)..
Please keep us posted if you come up with a fix & I'll do the same!!
Happy 4th.

And one other quick test to see what's going on, disconnect battery with volt meter connected to the battery. With everything turned off (ie., key off), touch the power cable to the battery and watch the meter, it should not fluctuate much at all, if any. If you see it drop more than 0.5-1.0 volts, you have something pulling power from the battery that shouldn't be.

Thanks gents!!
Took a reading, looks like "something" is pulling power (This is happening with the ignition off as well...).
Any suggestions on how to find the culprit?

Sorry for my ignorance on this. You would think after 50+ years of motorcycling one wouldn't have to ask!
I've been lucky, this is the first electrical problem I've encountered.

Thanks again!!