Harley Davidson Charging System Check 

After 2 years/2 batteries, replacement of about every relay and fuse, and keeping my rides short enough to have a charge, I finally watched this video, replaced my regulator/rectifier and have resolved my issue! John, You're the man! appreciate you brother!

Nice diagnostic. I like how you broke everything down and made it easy to understand 😅👍🏽

Another highly informative unprofessional video! Thanks man! Keep em coming.

Hope you like the coffee. Thank You for the honourable mention. You may have seen the movie but either way it’s awesome so if you already have it, feel free to regift it. Looking forward to your next video. After that comment about the crappy day video (from David Garino below) my wife enlightened me cuz I hadn’t seen it yet. Wow that was disturbing and now I’m scarred for life !!!

Miss you, John. Hope you and your business are doing well and that you will return to providing some of the best HD content on the Tube!!!

Have a 2002 Softail springer. The speedo keeps dropping off and the check engine like comes on for a min. Only really does it when getting into higher rpm. Also lights dim when happens. Think it’s the regulator?

Love the video because I'm actually having the same problem. Thanks for the advice 😀

Love the vids as usual! Great content! Just have to say,,,dude your hilarious! The whole manual thing....the book with electronic stuff in it lol.

New stator new regulator new battery. Bike good for couple months now not charging again.

Hi John! Quick question. My 2018 Roadster's speedo is starting to jump numbers, there is a lag when the speed is changing. What shold I do?

I'm impressed with your knowledge! Of course... I was blown away by a stripper once... Anyway... shop manuals and electrical manual... checking into it for my 2012 Glide. Thank you!

This is the most thorough video on the subject I’ve found. It confirms my belief that I need a new regulator for my Dyna as it’s fried two brand new batteries. Thanks! Subscribed!

What I’ve seen too is. The magnets crack or come unglued from the cover. Speaking of covers. The splines also blow through and cause intermittent charging. Good share dude! Larry

Excellent video. I really enjoyed it, and have subscribed. I have had constant regulator problems with my 2012 FLSTF since I owned it. They had a bad batch apparently, and it was changed under warranty. Then if failed again, and I was out of warranty, so I replaced it. Next, the Stator failed. I have the books and did all the tests, no problem. When I pulled the stator out, 2 elements of the copper windings apparently fused, and fried everything. Put in a NEW STATOR (Rigorously computer tested, of course!) and found it to be dead. Checked it and found it was a dead short on all 3 legs. Didn't think to do a ground test on the new stator before installing it, (It's brand new, right!?!?! What could go wrong?!?!) so it was a really nasty surprise to get the bike completely back together and still have a red charging light. That was on me, I should have checked it. Got ANOTHER NEW STATOR, checked it good per my Harley Electrical Manual, and installed it. Happy road bliss for a few more months. Then another regulator died. Changed it, and a few months later, the new regulator died. I basically have a SACKFULL of burnt out voltage regulators, some HD brand, and some aftermarket. NONE OF THEM HAVE STOOD UP TO USE. Got another battery red light again a few months ago. Checked the stator per the manual. (I now have made harnesses I can plug in and check everything in about 2 minutes) The Stator checks good, for output, and resistance per the HD Electrical Book. So, yet one more regulator. Put it in on Friday afternoon, As soon as I fired up the bike, the red battery light was back on. This is 5 minutes before I am supposed to go to the movies. I was so pissed, I just climbed on and started riding. It's not that long a trip, and I figured I could limp home on what was left of the battery, before the engine ECM shut down. I normally lose my ABS system as the first indication of low voltage. The ride was fine. I'm still riding it. It's still charging OK. WHAT COULD LEAVE THE RED LIGHT ON WHEN IT IS ACTUALLY CHARGING OK? I have over 130K on my bike, and I've ridden it twice to Milwaukee and back for the Harley Celebrations. I RIDE. A LOT. Over really long distances. My longest single day was 879 miles, ending in Dodge City Kansas for that night. I want to go on more trips, but I no longer trust my bike at all. Is there a way to restore it to top operating condition where I am not always waiting for an electrical failure? NOTE: I am taking the bike in to the local HD Dealer (Old Pueblo HD in Tucson) and going to ask them for a full diagnosis of my charging system, on Tuesday after Labor Day. But I would like some knowledge before I do that and they tell me to change the stator and regulator again. Sorry to say, but I have spent MORE on voltage regulators and stators ALONE, than I have spent in TOTAL over the years on my 1979 Yamaha XS11000. I have had to change one wire, and some light bulbs on that over the years. That has been the sum total of my problems with the Yamaha. God, I wish the engineers at HD would pull their heads out of their asses and design stuff that works, AND LASTS more than a year.

Hey John could use your help....i have a 13 street glide. When the bike is cold it starts great at idles fine. When it's ridden for a while it's a bitch to get it started again and also when I'm sitting the idle goes up a bit and when I try taking off its sputter and wants to die. I used ypur video to find codes and I'm getting a P0118. Thanks in advance, Sal

Just started following you a few days ago, so far, I'm very impressed and think your videos are very informative...

Hey man, thanks for the videos. Could you give us the real deal on the twin cooled. Thank bro...

Definitely making a trip down south this year to buy you a beer. Also! John what is your favorite type of vape juice?

Riding down the road and the Volt metering Gauge started moving South to 8v....made it to my garage shut her down...wouldn't start...checked batt read 10v...charged all started...did your test...stator to ground Not Grounded...then phase to phase was 2ohms....probably the R&R? I did not do the pulled fuse test, yet...ran out time.

Help! I just bought a 2021 Street Bob. It sat for a while before I bought it. It starts fine and the lights and all work fine. However, when I plug it into the trickle charger (works fine elsewhere), I get a flashing red on charger indicating its not charging. The bike is like new with just over 1000 miles. Why would the battery not charge on trickle if it's not completely dead. Tried 2 different trickle chargers, same problem. Thanks!

To recap: I have a 1983 FXWG, if the battery voltage is good, the bike is charging and the stator is not grounding out then it's most likely the voltage regulator (or wiring in between), correct?

@John Maxwell ok so I'm diag on my 88 FXR at 1900rpm I get about 35VAC out of my stator. At about 3k rpm I get about 58 VAC. So it seems like that stator is working. The battery with bike not running key off 12.90VDC, key on 12.56VDC, running 12.35VDC and didnt change regardless of RPM. Reg/rec bad? All wiring is good.

Really need some help here. Been in all the forums getting conflicting replies. 83 FXSB 1340 brand new regulator putting out 14.58 fully revved. Is that gonna cook my agm battery? Guy's saying 14.4 should be the max. The old lead acid batteries can handle the higher voltage but the agm batteries will cook over 14.5? Thank you in advance

Hell Yeah, I own a Sporty XL883C / 2005 - Cool videos. Just now I have fixed a brake light problem. (Not a bulb problem....)

I HAVE A SUZUKI TRIKE MOTORCYCLE ,I REPLACED THE BATTERY THINKING IT WAS that,,,Need advice I RIDE FOR A 1/2 HR OR TWO WHILE RIDING ITS START SHUTTING OFF I WAIT FOR AWHILE IT TURNS RIGHT ON ,,,,,,WHAT AND BE THE PROBLEM ANYONE OH ITS A 2003

So my 2008 fat bob doesn't die, I just noticed recently that after riding the idle stays at around 2000, also powervision is showing 17/18volts at 3500rpm. And I got codes, P0563, B0563, B1006, B1007. If its hitting voltage that high does that automatically rule out the stator since it IS charging, just real high.

Well done, your doing a great service! Thanks and it looks like your employer is a trusted and professional shop!

what cam for m8 would you recomend 2019 haratige 114 classic

Been having intermittent charging issues on my 06 street glide (tc88 injected)...hasnt thrown any codes yet...at idle sometimes the voltage drops to battery voltage 12.5-12.67v but when I bring the rpm above 1000 it jumps to 14v...I ohmed out the stator (apx. .2ohms per phase) and checked it to ground aswell as negative battery post (open circuit)...while the stator plug was pulled I checked output to be apx. 16.6v @1000rpm and apx. 33.4v @2000rpm across each phase...key off at the terminals the battery reads 12.68v and 12.63 key on after the pump primes...I did a load test while starting the bike and the voltage dropped to apx. 10.9v consistantly over 3 starts... any advice on what to check next? Or do you think the regulator is on the way out

The low voltage code could of been from before he put a new battery in. You didn't rev it very high or show the voltage when reving anything over 14.7 volts DC at high revs would cook the battery . You thinking it's intermittent could just be a bad connection in a plug or pinched wire anywhere from the stator to the battery. I wouldn't change the RR rectifyer/regulator until I witnessed it failing which is less than 13v or more than 14.7 one last thing 77v AC from stator seems high I'm thinking 33v-47v is closer too normal for a small 12v system 🤔

.3 milliamps, or 300 milliamps (.3 amps). IDK about bikes, but .3 amps in the cars I work on would be considered high. What is the specified draw for Harleys?

Keep rocking out the videos John, we find you interesting and informative .....👍👍

my reading is 12.8v on the bat. turned the Run button and drops to 12.0v.... turn the engine and gave me 10v and then back to 12.4v... but when I rev the engine, the battery's voltage wont go up(voltmeter hookdup). And If I ride for 5mins the battery icon flashes. after 30 mins ride the bike shutsdown and battery is 7volts. 2016 XL1200c

Good job John. I’m shade tree, but love to wrench on my scoot. Your videos are perfect for the non pro mech.

Can anyone help me find electrical connector #31 on 2003 Harley Davidson Heritage Class FLSTC. I have a wiring issue with the Left front running light. Signal works fine. I have the Manual but can't seem to locate Connector #31

On the way over to my shop to charge my battery up cause.......... I was on a ride yesterday and stopped to rest, (it was VERY hot day) and got back on the Electra Glide in White and click click no startee, got a jump and made it home 35 miles, the volt meter below 10 and dropped to below 8 by the time I got home. Would the bike run that far on the battery? Anyway have subscribed and this was a great video

I've got an 07 XL1200 Sportster. The start often has a slight lag, as if the battery is weak. The battery checks out good, and reads over 14 volts when running. Then I go to start it and it partially turns over and starts clicking. When I put the trickle on it, it starts like it's fresh. Ride it around the block, and it goes back to acting like a weak battery, clicking. I put an ohm meter on the stator lead and get 0.0

I place a piece of rubber underneath my kickstand to isolate the bike from earth, which I believe helps prolong battery life (whether or not I'm right is open for discussion) but I look at it this way, cars and bikes all have the earth going to the chassis but a car has 4 rubber insulators stopping the chassis from touching the universal ground AKA the Earth, your kickstand is in constant contact with the earth when parked. The rubber insulates the bike. Am I right?

Low beam doesn’t work on my 2015 Road King replaced with bulb still not working, high beam does work, could you please advise on how to troubleshoot this? Thanks from David in Tampa

I have a 2012 super glide. It gets high voltage spike lights get bright for a second. Dash lights go out. Get a code b2272. And sometimes my rpm goes to 1600 idling. Any advice would be appreciated. Oh along with codes there is a pn 67096-12

Great video. So, now I do have a question. I have a 2019 Police Road King - Head Light (low beam) keeps burning out. I lost power twice while riding - totally blacked out. The second time it happened, I had to pull the 50 amp main fuse to reset the system and it got the power back. When I start the bike, it labours to start. I bought a new battery but I don't want to put it in because I don't want to ruin the new battery. There is only 2600 miles on the bike. I'm thinking that the Voltage regulator could be the issue. Any thoughts? I rode the bike for about two weeks with no issues. The only thing I did was change the stock pipes and add Tab Performance Slip-ons. Thanks, Joe

98 ultra I have 10 volts at the gage, I hooked my charger immediately got 12 volts. However...when I try to start, it cranks for a few revolutions then clicks like the battery is dead. I'm thinking the starter is bad drawing voltage. Please let me know if this is possible

HI John... thx again for the video... question: can the regulator "overcharge" the battery, causing it to overheat excessively? My brand new battery gets super hot.

Hey John, Just watched this video and it describes the exact problem along with the code PO562 have been chasing for about 3 months on my 13 883. Thanks!

Just happen to be having electrical issues and thought id check your videos. Haven't watched any in awhile and i'm realizing that I miss your content, and wish you were still making regular videos. I understand your working hard taking care of business.... just saying.....

I have a 2014 street glide special with aftermarket led’s, headlight, dirty air ride, and digital pressure gauge . I’d like to upgrade to the stage 3 Rockford fosgate sound system. My question is, how will I know if I need to upgrade my charging system before I make this big sound system purchase?

I got my bike at the end of last year's season, basically brand new with 160km on it. I didn't ride it too much, and by the end of the season, I had only reached 500 km. It started every time, even after 2 or 3 weeks of not using it in cold weather. Then, during the winter time, I stored the bike in my shed. I removed the battery and put it in my closet. This season, I charged the battery, and everything was good. I ride it every weekend, but for the past 2 or 3 weeks, I've been having trouble starting the bike. It remains unused for a week, and on Saturdays, I ride without any issues, but on Sundays, the bike won't start. This has happened three times. The last time, the voltmeter marked 12.28v, which wasn't enough to start the bike. Then, I charged the battery, and after 3 or 4 hours, it was charged up to 12.8v, and it started with no problems. So, I wonder what could be the problem. I have a jump starter, which I use in emergencies to avoid spoiling my weekend. However, using the jump starter regularly is not ideal. Since the bike is still new, I don't know where the problem could be. The bike is a 2022 Sportster 48, thank you in advance.

My 2000 dyna started smelling like rotten eggs and the battery was whistling. I suppose the ol rectifier could be overcharging?? I do like that multimeter also. Think I’ll get one 👌🏻🇺🇸

2015 HD Roadking......After riding for about an hour, my batt light would come on while the bike was running. I could turn off some accessories,...stereo and accent lights and the light would go off. Sitting with the bike off, the battery would register around 12.5 volts, but it would drop as low as 8.6 volts during start up. I replaced the battery and the new Battery maxes out at around 13.84 volts when I rev the motor at around 3000 rpm. Does that sound normal? Wondering if my stator or regulator needs replaced too, and trying not to ruin this new battery finding out. Thanks.

Thank you brother!!! After watching a plethora of these vids, finally someone explained in laymen terms. Did the necessary checks, new stator it is!! Thanks again.

thank you for this very informative video now you need a video on how to use a multi meter correctly for us dummies ...lol

Hey John, Likin the videos here. I got an issue with my '07 Street Bob charging, or rather, holding a charge. I need a new battery every year, and constantly have to put it on the trickle charge. Getting another new battery this weekend, and I'm wondering should I just order a new regulator? My ride starts great with a new battery, but within about a month it struggles and starts rough (cranks real slow and sometimes I get the dreaded ticking), and I wind up putting it on the charger. I don't do any wrenching, not a mechanic. No multi-meter either, but after watching I'm tempted to get one. After watching your video, I am thinking it can't be the stator. I really think the voltage regulator is bad. I've never had issues while riding, only when the bike sits for a day or two. No extras on my ride. It's all stock. Just wheels and a motor. Questions: The milliamp test, In the video the amps started @ 24 and dropped to 3. What's abnormal? If it doesn't drop does that mean something is drawing when it shouldn't? Another question: When checking at the battery terminals to see if its charging, and you get 14.3 volts @ 2,000 RPM, doesn't that verify the stator is working as it should? And that it ain't ground out? Also, when you checked to see what volts AC were at from the stator, how do know which is pos. and neg? Is a try one and it don't work try the other way? And also, I don't know if I have a full phase or 3 phase. Should the readings be the same with the latter? Anyway, thanks for speaking in plain bad English! Awesome information.

My battery is charging at 16.7v on fast idle. Would it be the regulator that has failed in this circumstance? Milwaukee 8 Sport Glide. Cheers, Bryan.

Very nice, thanks. My no train, un pro approach: Make sure battery charges and holds/ replace. Fixed? Stop. Replace VR. If fixed...stop. Still F'ed up? Replace stator. If battery is old, replace anyway. Generally, once past single point failure.... replace the entire system to resynch duty cycle of critical components. Peace of mind... its only money.

I just had a charging issue w 91 XLH 1200 I got back from a ride and smoke came up from around shifter. I shut engine off. smoke came from the connector between stator and RR. The stator is good.3 ohms. and put out 65 volts at around 2500 rpm. The Bat+ wire from RR internally short circuited inside the RR and the circuit breaker never opened. So I will put in an inline fuse right after the RR at a place I can get to. The ? remains tho is what made the Stator connector get so hot? hot enough to burn my fingers.

we are looking for some help please..... 1999 Classic belonging to one of my friends was not putting out enough voltage to the battery. He replaced the battery. Still the same after. Sparky checked Stator for continuity-good, Checked stator for ac output-good. We decided to replace the regulator/rectifier-still not good. Bought and installed new stator-better but just 12.3 at idle. What next?

Have a 99 fatboy, and thinking about buying another Evo - maybe a springer? They are now cheap, parts are readily available ( both new and used), and are easy to work on. Would like a Harley electrical manual, but where to buy one ? Just google for 5 mins and saw lots of service manuals but no electrical manuals, specifically I'm looking for one that pertains to Evos, obviously ......

John Maxwell, I have a dumb question for you. I have 2011 FLSTF, and the headlight started being over powered. It would get super bright on low beam, possibly brighter then the high beams. It would only happen once in a while. Well now I cant keep a bulb in it for a day, any ideals?

Is there a particular brand of Regulator that we should purchase if that's in fact the issue? My 2012 Street Glide is not starting, battery keeps going completely dead, and all components were tested. I replaced the regulator early this year, using an Amazon special, approx. $38 and I feel like maybe it was a cheapo brand. Thanks!

I'm having issues with brake light not turning off. Issue started when i replaced my grips. I have red warning light on on the speedometer. I have 14 Sportster 1200t superlow.

I like your Videos Man. It is right to the point, with a lot of Bull in between. Very Old school Biker here, Been there done that many times over. How ever Love the new Voltage Tester, you've brought to my and your viewer attention. Thanks Maxwell, Love Ya Man. Keep your rubber (tires) were they belongs.

I have 2013 road king and codes b1006 and b1007 are coming up,, What the bike is doing ; as I am cruising down the road at everything will just shut down , all power and before I can get stopped good , my little alarm key button will start flashing and I start the bike back up and it will run for awhile and do it again ... any suggestions

Hey john. Got a 2015 street glide that’s been through multiple batteries. 2 H-D and a Napa. Napa one lasted 2 months. No battery or check engine lights but voltage gauge on dash jumps around. Did all your checks and everything checks out. Think I should just go for the regulator and hope it fixes the problem.

I have a charging problem. New battery, bike starts and in about 5 min my oil light and engine lite come on. If I drive any farther the battery dies along with the 09 Softail FLSTN. With a jump start the bike lights sometimes don't come back on and sometimes they do? I ordered a new Stater and Voltage Regulator. Should or can I install Voltage Regulator and see if that fixes the charging problem? If not, install new Stator? Would there be a problem doing it that way?

Kind of agree with your choice of multimeters, but, there is always a but, your choice of meters should compliment your choice of wrenches. Best meter out there is a Fluke. It's internally protected. It's easy to forget to switch the meter to it's correct setting while performing your test. As an electrician, I work on all sorts of systems, 600 vac, 12vdc, continuity, amp draw, capacitor testing, diodes, etc. The Fluke meter is the best. Very forgiving.

Another smooth webisode Service. Parts and Electrical Manuals are a must. Should just be included in New bike purchases. I have hard copies and Digital Copies. I prefer digital since I can type in key words and go right to what I need. Plus HD doubled price on manuals.

but what if your battery goes dead while the bike is just sitting? I have a pretty new battery. I can charge it overnight, go for a ride. Shut it off for like 4hrs, won't start. Needs boosting. Or if it sits in the garage for a few days without the battery tender on it, it will not start. I pulled the cable off the starter and found there was something drawing power from another line spliced into the starter cable. What would be splice into that? 2010 FLHP? Does that splice go to the Regulator/rectifier?

Hi John, my 800ma HD battery tender stays on orange on my 2020 trike. It's set to AGM. Should it go green when charged, I don't want to wreck my battery

I have a 2023 street bob 114. Why does the charging port have a flat 3 pin and most all chargers have only flat 2 pin?

like this video. my voltage regulator stopped working, lucky for my its replaced under warranty, still cost me 400 bucks to get towed of the freeway on a Sunday night, and i've just bought a mastech MS8268 form amazon,, I believe what caused the part to fail was Id riden through a heavy rain storm the day before causing a ingress of moisture, I had a illuminated red warning light on my speedo, the regulators not in a ideal place on a heritage M8 behined the front wheel,

every time i try and add new things to my 2015 Harley 48 i have to put the charger on every morning . first it was a amp and speakers . I removed it and the problem went away . Then i added Custom Dynamics High Power LED Driving Light Bar and the problem started again . Can you please tell why can't i add anything to my motorcycle or what can be causing the failure ?

Hello John, hope you are doing great. I need the advice from a pro. Three weeks ago I was riding back with my wife in a 2012 FLHX, 2 into one, stage 2, 22k miles, in the middle of the highway it shut down completely, I mean no warning at all, no lights, no power, nothing at all. Scary as it sounds, by instinct I squeeze the clutch and started to try to start the engine with the switch at 60 to 70mph and then it did, and I was able to keep going, but…10 minutes later it happened again. I kept my senses and did not show I was worried to my wife. I noticed the battery voltage indicator, it was going from 14v down little by little until it reached 8v and it will go up again but will not go back to 14v. I took the battery out last weekend and took it to Autozone, they tested and the battery is 100% good. I asked a few people around my work and they told me to check the stator or the voltage regulator. I know is a lot, but can you guide me in the right direction? I saw videos of how to remove the voltage regulator, easy, the stator, we are talking big words, I’ve been looking for a video of how to test each of this components but no luck, do you have one? I would like to thank you before anything for any info that you can provide. Have a good week.

Hi mate, nice video! I have a 2014 Forty Eight and it's not charging whilst revving the engine. It's not the battery as I changed it to a new one. How do I know if it's the stator or the Regulator Rectifier? I don't really want to shell out money for both. Any advise would be amazing?

Had a voltage regulator go bad on my 12 Wide Glide. Noticed it first riding at night. The lights would get extremely bright for a few seconds then go back to normal. I learned that HD had a recall out on voltage regulators for 2012 Wide Glide. Contacted my dealer and they said bring it in. Took it in and they said that it wasn’t under recall and nothing wrong with it. A week later the bike shut off with no power because it quit charging. Checked the Ohms thru the voltage regulator and found it to be the culprit. Just seemed fishy that it was bad and wasn’t covered under the recall? Good video!

My 2012 xl1200v seventy-two has an issue when setting over night! Im just not sure how to check the suspected problem witch is the wires in left side hand control blinker, horn, turn signal ect!! I do have a meter but not sure where to perform the checks...

I have a 2013 heritage. Sometimes when riding the red light beside the speedo, opposite the 6 gear indicator, will come on. I was told to check all my lights. I found one light blown and I replaced it but every once in a while the light will come back on. Any ideas? Video?

I have an 08 Street glide that's having intermittent high voltage. When I test it everything Checks out fine. I purchased an aftermarket regulator, could that be my issue?

Hi my 07 deluxe shuts off momentarily when riding. Speedo goes to zero then runs normal again. Have had it from new and it’s stock, any ideas where to start looking. I was thinking it’s electrical but I’m no expert

I have a 95 XL 1200: it looks like the battery holds a charge, and it dies when parked like explained in the video. Was able to pop start it and then it worked fine. I’m beginning to believe it’s the regulator after watching this video.

Hi! I have a 02 Road King that isn't charging while running. New batteries keep going dead. Replaced the Rectifier and it's still happening. It's it the stator? Thanks for the video.

recently My Son borrowed my 09 street bob while I fixed his intake leaks on his 96 sporty. then a lady pulled in front of him at 40 mph! he is fine just lose some skin. The bike however skidded into a pickup and damaged the rear wheel, shocks. can you let us know what else to look for on a collision bike? Thank you

Very nice video. Easy to follow and entertaining. Has some Donut Operator vibes.

John bought a portable air pump from my local Harley Davidson the kind that plugs into the pigtal well it kept blowing my fuse on the pigtail took into the Harley and the changed the fuse to a 10 amp will this fuse damage anything else on my bike ? My bike is a 2018 107 breakout

Is it true that a bad stator can make bike backfire & sputter ? I have 2005 softail classic fuel-injection . Doing that now ; bike sat for more than 2-years .

I had a voltage regulator go out on my 99 fatboy and the first sign I noticed I had a problem was the speedometer started going haywire on me. Put my multimeter on the battery and was getting like over 15 volt reading while engine running, everything else checked out good, checked codes and think I had something but I can't remember this was a couple of years ago. Replaced voltage regulator and problem solved.

I’m getting 0.48 on the rectifier test, both are equal. No issues to ground etc. is this ok or too low? Battery seems to be getting charged ok when i test at idle but it drains during a ride and will die and have cooked the battery after about 25 miles. Everything else seems fine apart from this test. How close to 0.5v does it have to be?

Good video man.... One other cause for the stater to become grounded to the case is if the magnets break and chunks of them get wedged between the case and stater windings..... Had this issue on my old 1998 Titan......

Dear John: (I'm writing a john letter, lol).... question, I have a issue with my 07 heritage. Clutch is slipping, can't adjust the clutch as the adjuster tensioner is rusted the nuts together, how to change clutch cable the easy way?

Well I subscribed to this channel. I got money pit number 1 out a 13 road glide out with a 143 plus inch SS engine out to cruise two up . Lately I had to deal with the amp and speakers on it . Headed out and glanced down and 12 volts . Damn turned around put it on the lift . So I check the resistance on the 3 legs of stator first . Then I guess it's the regulator . Never had a problem with changing but the first time is the first time damn . Thanks for the info 👍

and if you figure out how to mount that NEW regulator by physically isolating the shit out of it from the frame which vibrates like a -> Harley xD , it will probably never need to be replaced again ... and if you want to know how I know. I made rectifier bridge voltage regulators from heavy duty diodes 20 years ago that are still running xD

Short to ground... Test light lead to positive terminal... Probe the wire if it lights it's grounded? Yes

If the coils overheat and touch each other, you get less voltage from that particular coil or a bobbin, the bobbin being the pole of the laminated stator, each pole is would to deliver a given voltage and the size of the wire determines how much current, say the magnet wire is good for 15 amps and the stator is 3 phase job then you will have 45 amps. If one coil is grounded, it may mess up the regul8or, two grounded coils? they will get cooked.

Thanks for showing the older full-phase system; most only show testing for newer 3-phase.

Hey John I have an issue with a 2000 Road King. Keeps killing battery

I have a 84 sporster ironhead that won't charge, I have a new generator and when the bike is running without the regulator hooked up, I'm only getting .26 volts from my generator terminals. Am I just getting bad generators or am I missing a step somewhere other than flashing/polarizing the generator?

2013 king. Why does the starter almost always stall when Cranking as though it's trying to push thru a compression stroke. I keep it on a harley maintain charger always between rides. Weekend rider.

Excellent video. Thanks for taking the time and creating this educational content. You are my GO to channel for all my HD needs. I was checking out your nice multimeter. It appear to be very similar to my fluke 27/fm with some modern upgrades. My RK classic would not start after leaving the bike with the lights for several minutes. Since the bike died at my friend's house, I was able to get a quick jump using cable batteries and a car. When I got home I fully charged the battery using my trickle charger. Then I proceeded to test it using the multimeter and the old school testing methods. The results were 12.8v at full charge then it dropped to 7.3v when cranking the engine. Furthermore, I purchased a viking digital battery tester and the tester confirmed the battery test results where correct. Both multimeter and battery tester gave me the results of a bad battery. Just for kicks, after replacing the battery I took the old battery and re tested it on my bench, the battery showed 100 percent charged and in good condition. Actually, the numbers were better in this American Made Battery than the NEW Chinese one. I will re test both batteries the new one connected and the old one not connected. I truly hope that I am back to square one with a new battery. Any feedback will most appreciated.

Thanx bro my 2007 ultra classic the negative connection on batt came lose and was sparking. I tightened it up but now the volt gage is on about 15-16 but then with in a minute or two drops back to about 11 . Do you think its the voltage reg

If the leads are reading the battery terminals which is reading 14.3 could my regulator still be faulty?

500 Harley Davidson 2006 charging problem