Harley Davidson Charging System Check

Harley Davidson charging system check is an overview of my new electric meter, and a how it works video. I see too many people take their Harley and just throw parts at it until it finally works again! NO MORE! Grab a meter, maybe an electrical diagnostics manual, and this video, and we can figure out why your charging system isn't working!
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[@31mathesius]

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!

[@randallsimmons391]

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!!!

[@ryderr6958]

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

[@roberthirons570]

You asked why people ask questions on fb. I can tell you part of that reason. I know so little about motorcycles and cars, and Harley says they have a bike for every budget; the problem is, they don't have maintenance for every budget. Love my Harley, but damn, maintenance labor fees are expensive! So I have to learn someway and asking the question on fb usually gets me in the right direction. Then to come here and find an outstanding video like this is awesome. So I do thank you for getting me that much closer to attempting this fix myself. No way I can afford to take the bike a dealer and get it fixed in the near future, but I really want to go riding again. Hopefully, after watching this series of videos I'll be able to get this bike fixed with the just cost of a couple of parts, which is bad enough.

[@ronkatz7159]

Wow!! Great presentation. One of the few techs who know their craft and can explain it without using any of the seven words that can't be used on TV.

[@CDietman]

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!

[@mafosa8519]

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

[@ericrioux5454]

How does anyone own a Harley and not subscribe to this guy

[@iancampbell6191]

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 !!!

[@MrDenyarnold]

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

[@scottmoss41]

I found this about a year behind everyone else, but I'm a subscriber now...thanks a million, very helpful!

[@hammerfoot4273]

Awesome thank you I needed this. I work in the semi truck industry. I recently inherited my dad's 1995 Dyna, he passed away a few months ago but told to take it and ride it, so if course it's pre-diagnostic computer. It had to be jumped every time in order to start it. Tested battery voltage sitting, it's good. Tested while cranking and it plummeted down to like 6 or something I can't remember. Got it running and tested at the battery terminals, idle was only getting like 4-6 v, bringing up to around 2000-2500 brought it up to around 13-14 v. So I've been trying to think what it is, I have a new battery to install and test this weekend.

[@batwing1271]

Dude, your videos have helped me again. I was going to upgrade to a 50amp 3 phase for my 96 FLHR. Because my bike wouldn't keep up with the stereo (bag and fairing speakers) just replaced the battery and checked the charging and it was at 14.2. I actually came to see if you would show amperage output in the video. Checked it again after a 50miles, I was at 12.9 I assumed it was the regulator. But still checked. You probably saved me $400.

[@fredguerra4917]

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.

[@gabegiguere2501]

I had the same wires it's your magnet connections, they also get dirt and other debris stuck in them that u will never be able to get out. it's the same reason you're getting .5 on your ohm test. I love ur videos keep up the greatness.

[@mrclay50]

The most in-depth explanation of the situation I found on the tube thanks very much.

[@omegaseamaster1550]

02 Ultra suddenly developed a ce light on a ride. I was on a highway that had limited exits at the time. But, when I noticed the voltage meter dropping slowly with the first available exit and I knew it was time to turn around. Home was three overpasses and a tunnel away inside of 30 miles while riding two up. Got to within three driveways home before she gave up the ghost. Did the voltage tests and a couple grounding tests and figured it was the VR. While on the batt. charge I called around and found a VR 120 miles round trip and by the time it was installed the battery was good to go, pressed the go button and voila away she went. Great learning/explanation videos.

[@garymurdock6398]

I love how you break things down and explain how things work and the way the operate as a system. I’m a new subscriber for sure. Good work my man.

[@mikep.541]

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

[@duckdogers4438]

As a mechanic, (aircraft) I appreciate your taking the time to explain how the parts work. It is much easier to diagnosis electrical issues on my Electra glide when the how it works is provided.

[@sammy60164]

John, you totally helped me diagnose a bad stator, sure enough opened the primary and was burnt. Thanks boss

[@speedster7117]

Hey man, ever think about doing a time lapse from a typical busy day at the shop? I mean I would watch it. But than again I shattered my ankle and got lots of time. Gone thru all your clips like twice haha.

[@texasavage]

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

[@clownpuncher7070]

I just did the stator on my bike. Found missing magnets on the rotor but the stator tested find. Replaced it anyways and now shes charging like a champ! Great videos, keep up the good work. 👍👍👍

[@alejandromarquinez7089]

clownpuncher7070 where were the missing magnets?

[@clownpuncher7070]

Alejandro Marquinez I'm assuming they got ground up in the primary. When I drained the fluid I only found a few small pieces metal flakes nothing else but the fluid was really nasty.

[@TheHarleyTech]

That’s usually what happens. Your fluid was probably almost like a paste

[@joseserrano4596]

I purchased the same exact meter about 2 years ago but didn’t understand how to use it. This definitely helped!!

[@Dutch1911a1]

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!

[@iancampbell6191]

By the way, great video. Electrical is in my opinion one of the hardest issues to trouble shoot especially if it is intermittent. Always so many variables.

[@rustymacneil3227]

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.

[@ejakeway]

This video is perfect. I actually had a problem with my 14 sportster where out of no where while riding one day my lights dimmed way down and kept drying at idle. I knew it was the regulator but I wasn't confident in my diagnosing. Took it to my dealer and sure enough it was the regulator. Worst part was they didn't have it in stock and had to wait 7 days for the part to come in.

[@TheHarleyTech]

most folks just guess, then an extra couple hundred later, they actually get it fixed! At least you didn't waste any money!

[@74beeper97]

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......

[@shaunchigas5493]

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!

[@Bleriotman]

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.

[@cristinasantillan3305]

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

[@TheHarleyTech]

Glad it may be able to help you out!

[@SirAstaroth]

I have the same code and it won’t charge riding down the road as well. I’m glad I now have a video on how to check it. thanks man

[@stunttlr]

@@TheHarleyTech I have an 88 FXR. At 2k rpm I get roughly 35VAC. No charging at battery. Sounds like a reg/rec but should the stator be higher?

[@QCHockeyFan]

I'm sure you're working your ass off, but we miss you John! Let us know you're alive and well!

[@BookerBuilt]

Glad to have found this video, thanks for uploading. Obviously I am have battery problems to even be here. So far I have just blown NEW battery #2, my old Harley legit battery that has been in the bike for about 4 years was starting to die, as in, would fully charge it on a battery charger & get a days riding out of it, park it for the night then DEAD in the morning. So I bought a brand new cheap chinese battery, it had a picture of a Harley on the box & it was a 20L which is specs for my 2011 FXDF Fat Bob, what could go wrong & if anything it had a 12 mth warranty. 2 days worth of riding & I stopped at a store grabbed my stuff jumped back on the bike hit the starter & heard a loud CRACK and the dash went black. Lucky for that warranty. Battery 2, which I then had a autoelec check the charging & new battery, which all came up as per specs, 12+ volts motor off, 14 volts running, he also check the battery drain while the bike was sitting by putting a clamp around the negative wire (to which there was a small draw but as I have an alarm system which is always looking for a fob this was expected & it wasn't excessive. Again 2 days of riding and this time I was doing about 100km/hr (2000 revs) down the road & shut down, everything just stopped, no dash lights no nothing. Battery 3, I am going to replace the regulator before installing this one. Apologies for the log winded comment, just thought I'd throw it out there just in case there are any other suggestions to look for, but after watching your video I am pretty confident now to purchase a new regulator. In Australia I am looking at about $150 so fingers crossed.

[@raymondgarafano8604]

Nice V&H's short shots, great video, it is good to understand how all the parts of the bike work. I have wide glide, had a stage 1 done, those short shots more free flowing air box and ecm to put more gas into the engine, nice and throaty.

[@jockeyshift4124]

J M been watchin your vids a while and finally subscribed with this one as having a quality multi tester is a MUST for any level of mechanic and I agree you found a way above average unit..Am in ATL and work only on pre 1984 scooters,the last 40 years as a career machinist,always have a couple for sale,and build /ride nothing but old school choppers and Ford trucks..Am currently looking for a post 55 genny bottom end to get the word out.. I got a place in Fla too ,so I'll stop in sometime...Folks take it from John and myself,the key to making a small battery last is maintenance... I've had 6 volt units last many seasons. Theres no need to spend $300 on lithium ion. The regular SLA AGM I recommend and install ,some are under $50 and all under 100 depending on model with a 18 month replacement warranty.. Add this milli tester to your box whether you're old school like me or not, you;ll be glad you did..

[@sparkyrevenge]

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.....

[@BEACHYz]

Ok, normally, I get annoyed by your videos, but I have to give you the nod here. Great job!! Great explanations and visual. Job well done. Keep up the good work.

[@surgingcircuits6955]

Love the vids, John. Thx for doing them. I think you might have missed a useful one with this vid. Easy way to see how much your battery is being drawn down when parked and the motor's not running. Current draw. Take that meter, or any DMM these days. Put it in mA mode. Disconnect -NEG battery cable at the battery. Connect meter +POS probe to the disconnected -NEG battery cable, and -NEG meter probe to the -NEG battery terminal. This will show how many milliamps are being drawn from the battery when the bike's not in use/running. A bike with clocks and gadgets will draw more, of course. Batteries have Ah (Amp Hour) ratings that usually go up with CCA ratings, but basically it's how much power your battery can store. 12V battery with a 20Ah indicates that the battery could withstand a 20A draw for an hour. So, you can calculate at the measured draw how long your battery will hang in there down to a certain voltage. Buying a junk battery with low CCA and Ah ratings means it'll go down faster when parked than a better battery with higher CCA and Ah ratings. Sure you have or can look up the calc formulas. A sporty sitting with literally no gadgets would last longer parked than an Ultra assuming the had the same battery - I know. But. A short would yield a higher draw. More gadgets that stay ON a higher draw. You got me, I'm sure. You might produce a few example bikes and what the parked draws are to give a way to ballpark how good a battery you need for your bike. Or, maybe this is a whole new video. Asleep yet? :D

[@GreatEgret]

Great vid! It's a lot like being a CSI. I figured out why I wasn't getting spark on my old Honda using my multimeter and a lot of patience.

[@TheHarleyTech]

It is pretty satisfying figuring it out! Even though it can be a bit aggravating during the process.

[@robertlumsden942]

You are a hard working guy. thanks for taking the time to share your expertise for sure. Very good explanation on how the charging system works. bet most did not know there was an AC component even involved. again good job.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man!

[@insanedb]

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.

[@jimwilson2287]

I wish you would have made this 5 years ago when I had to figure this out on my own. Great video.

[@lordcentsamile4770]

Thank you for the videos they are very informative and being 100 miles from the nearest dealer I need to learn as much as I can.

[@allenbogenschutz561]

Excellent video, lots of good info to help go through the electrical system process.

[@phillip23]

Wow..... I've been checking KZbin for this exact issue on my nightster, came to your channel first a couple weeks ago but found nothing really to help my cause then I see this vid today! Very thorough and easy to follow..... I think I'll be picking up one of those manuals for sure now!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Awesome, glad you found it!

[@xtremeskier1997]

I wish I had bought this meter when I originally watched this video! This thing has DOUBLED in price!

[@shadbaltz5643]

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

[@elst3v032]

My bike has died twice on the highway while I was riding. Thanks so much for this video your the man.

[@azdesertnews7563]

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

[@Babooze]

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!

[@markthomson3414]

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

[@FallenOutlander]

Ugh...I've watched all your videos, commented a few teams, this one gets a comical rant. I work for a company that designs and manufactures cranking motors (or starters if you don't want to get technical) and alternators (you know, those advanced technological machines that combine stators, rectifier and regulators). Now I'll blow your mind, we're even developing a "starter-generator", but I'm not supposed to talk about that. Anyhow, last thing I wanted to do today, was come home and watch one of my favorite KZbinrs teaching me and talking about my 8-430. Too bad you couldn't have put up a spoiler alert or something. LOL. Aside from that, great video and you did well talking about the stator, regulator and rectifier. I will add one side note for you, a bad stator can cause intermittent charging issues, but it is rare. Basically comes down to technical stuff like air gap, dust build up, humidity/moisture ingress and such, that effects the "voodoo shit" that happens inside the electromagnetic field, causing low voltage at intermittent rates. I'm a mechanical guy tho, so I can't really explain it, nor do I want to whem I'm off the clock. Kinda like getting a phone call from a stranger for free advice while you're being paid to do actual work. oh well, as always man, thanks for the Wednesday entertainment. Besides coming home to kiss my sweets and see my baby, or a Friday payday, your videos are something I look forward to. 👍🖒

[@richardanderson4916]

Cool, down-to-earth style. Thanks brother

[@antonygattis1211]

Great info. Helped me diagnose that I have a bad stator in my Ultra Classic! Yay😒

[@pmjn0943]

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,

[@navarreautoandpawn8074]

You described perfectly why my 2012 Limited looses voltage while riding. Easy Peasy to understand Video

[@gunterm2009]

Thanks. Been having issues with my 97 ultra.Gonna try and diagnose it my self

[@coleterpstra5501]

Great video as always! I've seen in the past (very rarely) thermol break down in the stator causing intermittent charging. pain to diagnose. Happens it more on the ignition side loosing spark

[@mikelikesknives428]

Great info. Thanks! I appreciate the charging system overview. You don't always need expensive tools to check diagnostics.👍

[@greglewis9259]

You almost never NEED expensive tools to diag...but KNOWLEDGE is priceless!

[@napieraustin]

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?

[@zerofucksgiven4607]

I dig your videos.. If school teacher's were more like your chill. Down to earth i bet more kids would stay in school...I've learned alot from your videos...thanks

[@TheHarleyTech]

I hated school. Then I grew up and wanted to be a teacher. Weird, huh? Thanks for the kind words!

[@Stizlerlicious]

Great going. I don't like having issues with my harley. It's becoming a challenging machine. I measured it all and I conclude that my stator is making ground. I measure a resistance from both the stator connector pin to ground. Instead of 0.L i get 4.00 :)

[@gbowman7344]

You make this "Stuff" fun and for me, I can follow where you're going with "Things". Thank you John you make my 99 RKC safe and fun to ride! Kitty Hawk, NC.

[@jwr123750]

John your video was very timely. I was having charging issue you help me fix it.

[@TheHarleyTech]

That’s awesome! Glad it helped!

[@tonyrotolo]

Tim Horton was a NHL defensemen that was and is loved by many and played up to an old age in hockey standards. He played for Toronto and then the Buffalo Sabres. He died in a horrific car crash on the QEW ( didn’t want to take the team bus) on his way back to Buffalo after a game against the Maple leafs in Toronto, he was in a car that was bought for him in a effort to get him to sign with the Sabres by Punch Imlach the GM for the Sabres. That was a very sad day I will never forget, His coffee is by far one of the best coffees on the market.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Wow. That’s crazy. Thanks for filling me in. I just figured he was some old dude that started a coffee shop.

[@ThePurpleGas]

Wow fantastic video and just what I needed! I am thinking this might be exactly my problem as I am experiencing the same symptoms as your customer. I am excited to run these tests myself. Thank you so much for making the process so easy to understand!

[@silvermanewj4366]

Timmy's coffee.. da best! Good vid!

[@darknitethunder]

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.

[@scruffy4647]

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.

[@petrudanmandru9583]

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

[@charleskittler4330]

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

[@shortymagee5194]

Thanks for the info on the meter I am checking out my 84 FXR now it has been up dated But it is not charging thanks I will check it out

[@saddle8bag]

A couple things John. The rectifier is a diode. It effectively chops the wave in half. Since there are two or more waves overlapping from the stator, together without their bottom halves, they make a lumpy dc. The regulator then has a little circuit to clamp the output from the rectifier so as not to exceed ~14.x Vdc and may smooth the output to something less bouncy. The fact you were getting ~14.x Vdc when you did the 2k rev test tells me the regulator is okay. Sounds more like an intermittent connection (which can be a bear to find). If you're lucky, it's one of the parts you're jostling with and you'll get it together properly during reassembly. Battery connections are also a common cause of such issues. Actually, the ~14.x Vdc tells you the generator is fine too. If one of the phases was gone, the voltage coming out of the regulator should be lower than 14.x too. Meters can be tricky though. Because the peak voltage from the good wave will still create a peak (much lumpier) dc voltage. If your meter is sampling frequently enough, it may show 14.x Vdc too. Much easier to look at this kinda stuff with a scope, but I understand you gotta go by the book. With a scope you'd see a flat 12.x Vdc from the battery with the key off and a lumpier 14.x Vdc with the bike running ~2k rpm. You should also see two equal sine waves from each stator phase to ground.

[@lucianoguerreiro8394]

Great video , thank you , i am having some troubles with my 06 xl1200r , one day while riding at a stop ,she went down , started again with no idle and a few miles revmeter and odometer went crazy ,getting no reading on the needles booth at 0 miles or 0 rev, but still showing the numbers and odometer ligths , searched wires short founded the plug under the tank with water clean it with circuit cleaner and some wd40 ,but no luck ,at the odo. And rev. I found there the 12v but no luck again ... i tested at a friend bike the speed sensor and odometer and they were fine no troubles ... can you help please? The ground cable to batery is only 1 is there any normal troubles in this bike like this ,bad ground?

[@criznitty]

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

[@eaglef28]

Cool video, thank you! I have a 2012 FLHTCU and the engine light and battery light came on the other day. It has the P0562 code. The battery is less than 2 years old and I keep it on a trickle charge. The volt gage showed 13 and when revved went up to about 15. I'm going to use your tips to check things with a multimeter but I'm leaning to it being a regulator issue.

[@mr.waffles2555]

Your videos are amazing. I used this to diagnose my Nightster and have narrowed it down to the voltage regulator. Im getting B1006 and P0562 codes and am randomly having my battery and check engine lights come on and go off. Fingers crossed that fixes it.

[@jimkillen1065]

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 👍

[@arthurleino]

Thanks for the info. After replacing the voltage regulator/Rectifier many times. I upgraded my electric system. Now no problems.

[@fernominal]

How did you upgrade? New stator? New voltage regulator/rectifier? New wiring harness?

[@arthurleino]

@@fernominal my old mechanic (R.I.P.) put in new stator and regulator/Rectifier. Went from 22 to 30 amp. Accel makes the kit.

[@fernominal]

@@arthurleino Great to hear your ride is running good now! I found a Mosfet Voltage regulator/Rectifier for my 08 Sportster Nightster 1200 on the net for $50 bucks, and will be getting it soon! My stator is okay, so I'll only be installing the (easy to replace) part I mentioned. The Mosfet (brand of a company that is known for audio amplifiers, the part has a bigger heat sink, or fins to run cooler, and last longer, by virtue of a better type switch built in it, than regular voltage regulator/rectifiers!) Ride to live Live to ride!!

[@dalepratt2229]

That meter looks pretty damn decent for the cash! I think I'll be picking one up next month!

[@christrumbly]

Dude, I'm a greedy bastard, I want more videos! Great job brother.

[@paulsullivan931]

Hey John,that was cool,I had a rough idea about electrical problems,but now I have a better understanding of charging problems thanks John,👍😃....looking forward to the next vlog.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks Paul, glad it helped ya out!

[@NEMCTV6]

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.

[@fatboydan02]

That moment at 10:05 when your lunch sack lands standing up....coolness level just jumped a notch.Good video as usual.EDIT: Let's see a video where you troubleshoot LIMP MODE.No,not that one,the other one, where your engine light comes on,the bike won't go over 20 mph and you get these two codes P1511 & P2135.

[@THEBULLD4WG]

Love the videos dude. Just changed my battery but now I know how to test all the other components.

[@donwinburn1030]

How about a video explaining why people hear the noise coming from the front of the engine going down the road on a heritage or other 2018 models with the 107. I hear the same racket out of mine. Thanks john, like the videos you put out for us.

[@delbridge11l]

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.

[@Liveharley1]

Excellent show and tell and explanation as to how it works, thanks

[@RoadKing05FLHR]

Great info John. I recently replaced my battery in the 05 FLHR. The battery was 6 years old so it was due to fail. I noticed a sound when connecting the battery that would seem like the bike is on. Sounds sort of like an electric motor like a fuel pump pressuring up for about two seconds.. Would that be the ignition switch, relay, or normal? Never heard it before that I can recall. Only when connecting the battery. I have never connected the battery on this bike before. Everything seems okay. Bike is charging the battery. Let bike sit for 5 days, battery still hot. Some history on the bike. About 10 years ago the starter was trying to engage going down the road. Did it a couple of times so I disconnected the wire to the starter. Took it to a shop they said nothing wrong. I suggested replacing the starter relay, no more problem with new relay. About 8 years ago fuses were blowing. No speedometer, lights. Stopped by a shop and they found corrosion in the aux light connection. No more issue. About 6 years ago speedometer was sticking, speed off at times. Seemed related to ignition switch. Flipping ignition switch on and off would make a difference Stopped by a shop and they said they cleaned the connections on the ignition switch and speedometer. No more problems. Around 100,000 miles on the bike. Ediit.. I am thinking the noise comes from the speedometer, if that sounds possible, normal. Regards

[@authoralecgould1737]

This was well worth my time. Thanks John! Keep up the great work.

[@clockworkbike]

Wow, I was gonna ask Facebook why my charging system wasn't working, but I found the answer on KZbin!

[@blujack100]

Another good test to see how well the battery holds up while starting is to use a meter with a MIN function. The meter will record the minimum voltage and display that. If the voltage drops too low (approx. 9v) the battery or lose connections are suspect.

[@jeriangelovich1200]

Told you all about that meter couple of years ago when I went to v-rod school instructor found it at harbor freight also what happens when checking the charging system and all your readings are good but still is not properly working my last check after doing the AC test when the engine is hot is to remove the primary cover and look for smoke don't forget about older bikes when the magnets break loose and come together to give you a bad reading I could go on

[@TheHarleyTech]

The OG at electrical checks! There will be future charging videos, for sure. I shot this one “on lunch” while also on the clock, however that works! I’m glad you reminded me of how I learned about the meter. I think I might have give Sean credit, I knew someone came back from school with some good info. I’ll have to correct myself in the future! I’ve been wondering how you are, hope all is well!

[@MrBluesilingus]

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

[@JSmith-cj3yr]

Thanks John. Just changed my regulator. Tried the diode test on the new one but didn't work. Old one failed (2011). Same part #, but new has an A. Upgraded maybe.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Yea a variation of the original part number. Could be significant change, could be minor. We never know. We just know it’s different than original.

[@stinde666]

One fine video again keepem coming but don't ware your self down , your so cool man !

[@daveross5314]

John I got a 2016 street glide 4th owner it has a new battery and starter I ride for an hour or so stop to get a drink and it wont restart if I let it sit for about 45 min to an hour it cranks right up. Had it to 3 shops still not fixed . Thanx Dave R in Tennersee

[@michaelcrowe2332]

Dude good video. My dyna is having this exact problem.

[@carlwendell5696]

Stator....bout like my car needs a starter cuz it wont start. Very informative video, subscribed. Thanky you