All Alone And My Harley Won't Start!

[@geraldscott4302]

I have been stranded on a number of different bikes over the last 50 years. The most common cause was a flat tube type tire. I gave up on them a long time ago. I have a roadside assistance plan, which includes 100 miles of towing. I have paid thousands of dollars in towing bills for bikes. I once spent over $1200 for towing charges, motel bills, and over $300 to have a tube type tire and tube replaced at a dealer, after having to wait three days. And I missed two days of work. There are a number of things you can do to help prevent a bike from braking down, and more things that can help when it does break down. But when all those fail, a tow truck is usually your only remaining option. And it is not cheap. Your battery is bad. That 12.8V is only a surface charge. As soon as you put a load on it, it disappears. It's amps you need to start the bike, not volts. Two things I always carry with me on a bike are a portable jump start pack and a tubeless tire repair kit, including a 12V compressor. That high charging current probably fried the battery.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yea, I got a boost but the battery was too dead to keep the bike running at all.

[@MegaJcamp]

Got stranded with girlfriend going from Iowa to NJ in 1979, truck driver driving an empty car carrier stopped and offered help, we put the old lowrider on the trailer and headed to the next truck stop. There the trucker found a broken wire off the regulator, hooked it back up and away we went. I’ll always be grateful!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Good save!!

[@trez2187]

Triple A Plus membership got me from TN to NJ. NO CHARGE

[@EZBNEZ]

@@RedRiderCanadaBCgotta love them truckers

[@mikerapp8163]

When you get stranded on a motorcycle, you are truly stranded. Batteries made pre 1995 would last 7 years. You could check fluid levels in them too. When these newer batteries go dead, they’re finished. Voltage means nothing. It’s cranking amps under load. Best to get an after market volt meter on bike so you can see stator and VR performance while running. I only get 3 years out of a battery now. All these electric cars, good luck folks. I’m happy this had a good ending Red. Safe travels.

[@gregwind725]

Have you seen a voltmeter you like or preference you installed on your bike?

[@mikerapp8163]

@gregwind725 i got one off E-Bay. It's digital, waterproof and registers tach and volts. Very reasonably priced

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Cool! I’d be interested in seeing one of those voltmeters too.

[@gregwind725]

@@mikerapp8163 let me know a brand name if you remember and have time to. Thanks Mike

[@ranchodeluxe1]

I use factory H-D or East Penn batteries. They last 7 years with even a little maintenance. To say that voltage means nothing in any electrical situation is silly, to say the least. Voltage drop when put under load is the determining factor as to a battery's ability to perform, or not. I'm not aware of a spec called "cranking amps under load." You can't see your stator's performance with a voltmeter. You can only see voltage. By definition.

[@davidsnow2420]

AH, been there many times, but never completely stranded. Hot wired the ignition switch on my CB500 4 in El Paso on the way back from California. Made it to Texarkana and slept on a picnic table, and rode home to Little Rock the next morning. Always a firm believer in kick and electric start on my HDs. The shifter shaft broke off the tranny on my 85 Wide Glide in New Jersey and the bike was stuck in second, but thankfully had electric start. Made it home to Brooklyn, no problem. Another time, starter relay went out, but had the kickstarter. Farthest I rode in one day was 950 miles from Brooklyn to Rome, GA, on a magneto, 93" 1982 Shovel in a '51 wishbone. Every other gas stop I had to disassemble the SU carb which would carbon up thanks to the ill timed mag. The worst day on a bike beats the best day at work. Adventures and misadventures that you'll never forget.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Wow man, that would have been a long day! Good stories to tell though 👏

[@JukeboxGothic]

I was trying to think of how many times I have been truly stranded in 43 years of riding and I can think of only one. It was the reg as well and yes I have lived off noodles for a month to buy parts.

[@hippytrev7452]

at least its an easy fix & ya back on the road..cheers Red....

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yep! 🍻

[@xlr8r3VA]

Sorry to hear your bike broke and you got stranded. Glad your sister was able to come rescue you and glad you found the issue right away. Looking forward to more great videos! Stay safe!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thank you 😊

[@angel_dawn_morningstar]

😮Omgggggggg !😮 When your sis rolled up with that trailer , I was SO relieved ! PHWEW ! Love that FXDWG ! Glad your safe now ! 😇❤

[@bagrnut]

And Jonny is still the best looking bike on a trailer anyway 😊

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yep, lucky my sis was able to cone get me!

[@nickdipascal6682]

You know your stuff Ms.Angel...glad you got home safe!!

[@trippontwowheels]

As you lived to put this video up, it looks like you made it home safely! Glad to know that.

[@CharlieTx]

Your stator makes ac 3 phase current. The rectifier (it;s in the same box as the regulator) converts the ac power with a set of diodes to make dc power. Then the regulator controls how mu dc power goes out to your battery and the other things on the bike. The stator is the same as an alternator on a car, excopt the alternator shaft spins inside the copper windings. On a stator, the copper windings on the outside do the spinning.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks for the information!

[@ranchodeluxe1]

Some stators, the ones with three leads, produce 3 phase. A two wire stator produces straight alternating current. A stator, by definition does not move. The rotor, which has fixed magnets, rotates past the copper windings causing a magnetic field.

[@aquahombre]

When the voltage regulator went out on my 1987 Softail, the headlight was flickering. Glad you got home safe, Johnny will treat you right, you're just giving him a shakedown ride.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Exactly! He's been sleeping for a while.

[@ВалераВерещагин-о8ш]

Интересно наблюдать за девушкой мотоциклисткой так смело справляющийся с дорожными трудностями!!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

😁

[@LtJackboot]

A motorcycle will do you better in times of no food, than food will do you in times of no motorcycle.

[@Boysenberr]

Gad! Getting stranded is my worst nightmare. Now with a brand new battery (always on a trickle charger) and the best-ever engine HD has built, the Evo 1200, I am never concerned about going anywhere. Your videos have renewed my faith in my brilliant thinking, Angel!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

I guess I should get one of those trickle chargers...

[@Boysenberr]

@@RedRiderCanadaBC my trickle charger gave me 8 years and three months worth of battery life with a stick HD oem battery. I do recommend them! Mount a little pigtail on the battery and hook-up is a two second affair!

[@chrisherman7531]

Glad it worked out for the better Angel.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Same 👍

[@lloydsplace2]

that's the life on bikes, cars, trucks, bicycles ,glad you got it figured out

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yep 👍

[@ridingonruby3287]

Wow. Glad you were safe out there. Hope you get it all fixed. About one month left to ride here. ❤❤❤

[@rrodriguez13224]

Glad you didn't have to wait too long, at least there was cell reception, food, water and a toilet across the road.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yep!!

[@rickel-bisi3556]

I do love watching your videos Red! I hope you always stay safe in your travels!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks 🙏

[@toddk.5873]

Hi Red Rider. I've just been going through the exact same problem on my 86 FXR. Battery went dead on the road. Had to jump it. Got home & checked the charging system. 18 volts. Replaced regulator & charged battery. Battery was dead the next morning. It must of cooked the battery. I installed a new battery. Hopefully it's all good now. just so you know, when you buy those AGM batteries new from the store. make sure you charge them full before touching the starter button to them. The salesmen all say you don't have to. I say bullshit on that. They're never 100% if you don't. I repair Harleys for a living & that's something I've learned.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

The place I got this battery from keeps them on a trickle charge till they are sold.

[@toddk.5873]

@@RedRiderCanadaBC Nice. Mine is working good now.

[@toddk.5873]

@@RedRiderCanadaBC Normally I like to change the stator & regulator together. Ideally it's best to change all three with the battery. That's the whole system. I thought like you at the time about the stator is charging good so run it. What kills the stator is heat. If all that energy it's generating have no where to go, it turns into heat. I suppose a battery that is not taking a charge could cause an overheating situation. I guess I cheaped out & took a gamble on this one too. I won't be surprised if my stator go's south soon. Ha ha. This is my bike. I can take it. If it was a customers, I'd recommend the whole system be changed so it's one & done.

[@bradmiller8571]

Great you made it, be glad it wasn't somewhere out in the middle of summer out in the desert.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

I am definitely glad it wasn't in the middle of nowhere

[@johnhall3860]

Glad you got Johnny squared away. I knew you would I struggled with electrical problems I’m pretty good at fabrication,mechanical and motor work from all the years building race cars but electrical just gets me spun out. You take care and ride safe.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yea it’s confuses me too lol

[@scottellens9982]

I bought a battery load tester, it was about 35 bucks, would be a good addition to your tool collection

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

For sure

[@JeffTucker-j1p]

Thanks for letting us know what was wrong with your bike. Sorry that happened.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

No problem 👍

[@franklarson5604]

Thanks!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks!!

[@nordland2235]

Any you old timers remember Lucas electrics on brit bikes ?

[@o.u.t.olduglytroll3712]

the prince of darkness

[@НеПётрНеПетров]

Ни печалься дорогая Ангел, это хороший опыт с добрым концом, слава Богу, что у тебя есть родные, которые всегда готовы прийти на помощь! (Честно говоря, у меня было подозрение на регулятор напряжения, такое бывает в дороге: высокие обороты двигателя, идёт перенапряжение в сети и аккумулятор просто вскипает. Главное, чтобы не сгорел коммутатор).

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thanks!

[@lloydsparling4439]

Done battery , common problem, I’ve gotten 4 years out of my current battery, a record for me, I run trickle charger every time I’m done riding for the day, maybe why idk for sure lol, good video Red👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MattSwartz-w9u]

Most I’ve ever Ben able to get was two years… I’d be happy w/4

[@lloydsparling4439]

@@MattSwartz-w9u two was my best before too, my bike is in heated garage now also

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

@@lloydsparling4439 I thought I remember you asking recently about something that you sent to me in the mail? I haven’t received anything from you at all, so I just wanted to mention it to you in case there was something that got lost.

[@НеПётрНеПетров]

In difficult situations I always sing this song: Когда идёт дождь, когда в глаза свет Проходящих мимо машин и никого нет. На дорожных столбах венки, как маяки, Прожитых лет, как ты в пути Третью жизнь за рулём, три века без сна, Заливает наши сердца серым дождём И кажется всё по нулям - кислород, и бензин И с кем-то она, но всё-таки знай: ты не один.. (ДДТ- ты не один).

[@stephenpiasecki7984]

Great job lots of good imfoe

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

My voltage regulator was blowing headlight bulbs. I also have a bad connector at ecm. I figured that out because no fuel pump sound so when i wiggled wires I heard it come on. Nothing better to do at gas where my bike had died. I have found a lot of shorts in vehicles by wiggling wires. My jeep had a short in the injectors. Which would leave it dead until I found the short. A rectifier usually only changes a.c. to d.c. on older bikes. It does not usually regulate voltage. The resistor in rectifier keeps the a.c. from alternating making it d.c. A bad ground can cause a voltage spike. As it ups the voltage to over come corroded connection. I have a bad stater in the shed. One of the wingdings is contacting the other one. My bike has 3 wires from stater all 3 phase a.c. going to regulator/rectifier. The stater is internally grounded.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Luckily it was just the Regulator this time for me and no mystery shorts.

[@MrAmartin8]

Ah the sometimes trouble of owning older Harleys . But you are lucky that this has only happened to you once . But to your favor you built the shovelhead and know what you have and Johnny is a new adition and has not proven itself to you . But ya made it home safe and fixed the problem . An independent woman ... Good for you sweetie ...

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

😁😁😁

[@gs3-o4f]

Thanks for showing the diagnosis and the fix. It might come in handy to know one day. 👍

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

👍

[@Bert-e1j]

Being stranded can be good therapy.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

I can see that for sure. But if I were stranded in the middle of nowhere all alone with no way of calling for help, I'd probably be a little more scared lol

[@frankveronese1290]

Time to bring old Johnny in for counciling. You get that spark back Johnny or I trade you in for a younger model lol! Glad you made it home safe!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

I gave hime a talking to

[@billgibson9768]

glad to see you made it home safe

[@RuthWaterhouse-h7w]

Stranded and towed home to cheap fix, and you are safe. One out of three ain't bad 😅

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

$300 dollar fix in the end lol

[@MotoBaumVirginia]

Voltage meter is still a complete mystery to me. 😊

[@LHirondelleMusic]

There's a few locals (Chance out in Grinrod) who have been known to rescue bikers and help out, he as a trailer...etc.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Oh yea. Would definitely be good to have connections in different places!

[@josephlango2526]

I dig the intro! I've been stranded a few times, always cause of something dumb and a lack of tools. My fxr got a ride in a truck cause of a pinched wire i could have fixed with my leatherman but i didn't have the allan key to take the seat off

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Haha that would be annoying

[@beginlivinglikeaboss]

When it rains, it pours! Glad it all worked out.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yep lol

[@Hog-g2z]

Good Day 🌅, Angel, That was a bet of a bummer new regulator and it might be a good idea to change your battery as well, especially as it’s been overcharged, or just keep it as a back up for the time being, at least you’re safe and sound, no Halloween experiences, disappearing in the back of beyond, here’s Johnny , 😮, stay safe, ❤from France,

[@paulfreespirit]

Great to see you've got it fixed |Angel!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yeah thanks!

[@sscontracting]

Who couldn't love you your bikes and your content

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

🤷‍♀️ there are some haters around lol

[@dannysollis1063]

Ita always something!! ❤ you'll get it fixed im sure...

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Always!

[@Ridendrty]

Johnny Crash be singing the blues

[@MotoBaumVirginia]

I just know you are going to be ok❤

[@AlbertK-eq5gd]

Just delt with a Evo starting problem turned out the starter selinoid was nasty. So I cleaned it inside and the plunger put it back together starts fine now.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Nice!

[@jonathanmarker5857]

Have a good day red✌️✌️✌️

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

You too!

[@bmp72]

I’ve seen horror movies that started like this 😊

[@tombstone2826]

At least you made back safe Ms. Red !

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yep!!

[@arthurcgans8198]

This is one of the reasons I like really old bikes. They run without a battery once started.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yep

[@НеПётрНеПетров]

О, это было лучшее превью, что я видел, в стиле "Фильмы ужасов", спасибо, теперь мне придётся несколько дней спать с включённым светом.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

😆 😱

[@brianstandefer7317]

That BlairWhich ' intro was right on ! Woooo";😮

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

😆 😆

[@tommylitchfield3450]

I know that you made it home, obviously, but not even a minute in, and my inner "protector" has me all bristled up, on the lookout for someone to thrash to protect the wimmens :) Now, Imma watch the rest of the video!

[@mikebodine4164]

It was great to see you again at Forgotten Angels.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

I'm looking forward to my next visit!

[@carledwards5560]

Was impressed with your can do attitude glad your sister came to save the day i have know the feeling when your vehicle breaks down that helpless feeling not good male or female Cheers

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thankfully I wasn’t further from home

[@keeperofthebanditoldblue7539]

If you made it 12 years without being stranded you did grate lol it's part of the fun

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yep lol

[@jaymackey5475]

Been there man, my Triumph stranded me 400 miles from home once. AMA membership payed for a flatbed tow to the dealer and those guys put other customer repairs on hold to get me back on the road. Bikers will usually take care of their own. Always stuff a few $100 bills in a safe place when you’re touring, cash solves problems. If you’re in a state which respects freedom carry a small inconspicuous self-defense device as well.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Good ideas 👍 But I live in Canada and they apparently don't respect freedom these days.

[@richardzangora8325]

Parts is parts, as long as your safe Angel🙂

[@jamesgermann7928]

Been there plenty of times. Roll start in second was my go to. All apart of the deal. Lol

[@gregwind725]

Looks like you all up North are getting an extension to your riding season, LUCKY!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

I hope! Been pretty chilly and rainy here for what is normal in this area.

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

I think for a short period of time you can see what kind of AC voltage is come on out of your stator with the motor running I think it should be like 40 volts AC

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yea 30 or 40 depending on your system as far as I know

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

@@RedRiderCanadaBC 👍🏼👍🏼

[@ranchodeluxe1]

@@RedRiderCanadaBC 17-25V AC per 1000 rpm of engine speed. Continuity between both leads. No continuity to ground. That simple.

[@jastaylor2730]

The rescue me I'm like thinking maybe Dudley do right😂

[@ronniegaloot7986]

I had a reg issue it over charging blew out my head light ..found that it was a bad grounded reg...cleaned all the contact point and bamm! been working great since...

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Oh yea 🤔 I would have checked that had I known that was a thing.

[@kennethking817]

I had a feeling it was a bad voltage regulator , what's bummer .

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Glad it’s not the stator

[@kennethking817]

Yeah that would be a bit of work . BTW where do you get the info on using the voltage meter on different models of H D's like mine is close to your WG it's a 99FXDX SG it would be nice to know how to use & trouble shoot electric problems ?

[@marktaylor8659]

I'm impressed by your knowledge of the electronics of your bike. Electronics are like kryptonite to me. When I hear, just turn your voltage regulator to blah, blah, blah, wah, wah, wah, yada, yada, yada, then you know something is wrong.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Haha yea I am learning more every time I have to fix something

[@noelmason2305]

Good vid Red nice info 💯👌🏼

[@mytoolfix]

you and your red hair are stunning !

[@ernestwilliams3112]

Cool diagnosis i can understand

[@kgeimansr]

With all the little battery jump packs it’s easy to keep one on the bike. Great when the need a boost.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

A boost didn't help in this case

[@dougsheets6201]

Nice Job diagnosing.

[@valjatriogina228]

Yes! Just taking the content of other competent KZbin channels and blurbing it with an annoying wheening voice! Pretending being stranded! Are people So stupid, to believe these stories? If you get stranded, the least thing one would do, recording all this bs, instead of getting out! You can sell any bs, if you got tetas! 😂😂😂

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

👍👍

[@danielseymour6726]

Check your lights. Overcharging can blow them .

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

The lights are all goodb

[@scottlovering9006]

The Russian Blue killed it for me love a happy October to you and yours.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thank you!

[@syyenergy7]

If it's just a regulator, just change the regulator only. If it's the stator then change both.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

👍👍👍

[@grant916uk5]

Have that same bike in the uk Angel. Only 6000 mls and forever changing something.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Yep, they always are in need of something lol

[@Blueboy9055]

Great video!👍👍

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thank you! 👍

[@Captain_Commenter]

Hello from Ontario, I'm sorry this happened to you, you don't deserve it. Happy early Thanksgiving.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

🙏

[@soganoflarider]

Angel you have more knowledge in your pinky toe than I have in my whole body✊😂

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

😂

[@rascalshobbies864]

Just glad your safe darlin.....stay free 🤟😎

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Thank you, I will

[@vernegibb621]

What a badass 🤙

[@nordland2235]

Angel baby....I might be getting a Bobber....guy is supposed to bring it to my house Friday from Chi-town....wahooo.🤩

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Sweet!! Hope you send pics when you have it at home

[@bentonedwards8689]

Lesson #1 always ride with someone when possible.

[@keeperofthebanditoldblue7539]

Ide check your stator when you get a chance just open the burley cover and smell it if it smell like burnt electronics

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Was the regulator

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

For $20 a year over the cost of full coverage insurance you can buy unlimited towing service from Geico insurance. 75 mile range unlimited tows. In my humble opinion the best aspect of having insurance with Geico besides impeccable customer service.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

We don't have where I live

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@RedRiderCanadaBC for what you pay for motorcycle insurance they don't allow towing coverage? You would think that they would.

[@theodavies8754]

My evo only wouldn't start once. I'd disconnected the regulator to do oil and filter. Easy fix. Battery condition testers have got cheap as chips compared to replacing a battery but that one got fried. Time I checked the charging voltage on mine, it's only 25 years old so should be good. Poor condition battery connections are also a known.

[@chrisbrady-t1u]

I ran out of money on a NY to Florida run on a shovel and got caught siphoning gas by the cops in Savannah,Ga. ''Just get yo' ass outta heah''

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

😂

[@snakeboren4814]

U ROCK Red Angel !!!!!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Back at ya!

[@snakeboren4814]

@@RedRiderCanadaBC Thx. !!!! 1 Thing On My Bucket List...Iz ...2 Take... A Selfie...With The Canadian Goddess Biker. ...!!!!

[@robertatwater8818]

Yes, drag parts. I use them when I put Chrome on my bike. J&P Cycle is who I use.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

True!

[@matthewmutch7853]

YOU KNOW IT'S YOU!!!!

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

😁

[@John-ob7dh]

I carry one of these power pack starters. Lucky my battery is easy to get at on my FB.Not needed to use it myself yet ,but have started other people's cars / Bikes.

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

My battery was totally dead and a boost didn't help 😢

[@John-ob7dh]

@@RedRiderCanadaBC Bummer .

[@John-ob7dh]

I have my Fat Boy hooked up to a Optimate 24/7 charger in my garage. I ran the hook up cable off the battery and the plug in lead comes out by the seat.I Did same on my evo wide glide.12.6 is full charged.

[@WaldoHiding]

Will check black soon. Eny this song . I gotti ketchup on sum Ottawa lnksky. Going 🏄‍♂️

[@WaldoHiding]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXekaWiIhJ1sfqMsi=ESAqhz9Yd21BND2r

[@markh.harris9271]

most excellent; sorry, grocery money to the bike... bummer looks like you have things under control marcus

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Got it all fixed up!

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

U know w you doing ..✌🏼

[@kirkyoung5266]

Hello red 👋🙂🇨🇦

[@RedRiderCanadaBC]

Hello 👋

[@TeddParkes]

Tighten the batt cables

[@lawrencetrapani5623]

START solenoid Perhaps? Nice Ride btw

[@TeddParkes]

Harleys vibrate

[@Rob-lj1jl]

One of my bikes has an alternator charging it.