I'm purchasing a bike from a friend but the generator is dead.
(starts with charger but bike dies when charger removed)

The bike is a 1986 Yamaha FZ600

Where on the bike is the generator located?
How much do they cost?

 

Generator? You mean alternator? Gimme a sec and ill ask mr google

 

yamaha-motorcycleparts.com

if you look up your model you can find pricing on a "generator" which I guess is the propper name on motorcycles. It shows a diagram of it so you may be able to identify it.

1 Rotor Assembly 1 --
2 Stator Assembly 1 $421.54 Add to Cart
3 Brush Holder Assembly 1 --
4 Brush 1 1 $25.40 Add to Cart
5 Brush 2 1 $25.40 Add to Cart
6 .Screw, Pan Head 2 $1.05 Add to Cart
7 Washer, Spring 2 $0.93 Add to Cart
8 .Washer, Plate 2 $0.93 Add to Cart
9 Bolt, Flange (Backordered) 1 $3.40
Add to Cart

10 Screw, Pan Head 2 --
11 Washer, Spring 2 $0.93 Add to Cart
12 Washer, Plate 2 $0.93

http://demo2.motorsportdealers.com/m...HIQBNLFHE9&z=1

theres the diagram

 

Yup, they're not quite the same as on a car. A motorcycle's generator has permanent magnets (like a bicycles dynamo) and a regulator to control the charging current. In a car, the alternator uses electromagentism, so the output can be varied by controlling the supply to the electromagnets.

 

you sure the battery just wont hold a charge?