[Cloud]

I'm not sure what the problem could be, but my Harley isn't charging. It's a 1996 Sportster. The battery gets really run down after riding around and I have to charge it when I'm done, otherwise, it's completely dead. I know it's not the battery since it's pretty new. I'm thinking it's the rectifier and/or the stator. What do yuo think? How can I diagnose the problem?

Tim C.

 

[HIPPO]

Tighten the battery cables at both ends and check the voltage at the battery with a DVOM, when sitting there, cranking and running. Post the readings. Normally you can tell just by looking at the headlite, but it's not going to work over the internet.

The FM shows the tests for the stator and regulator, and they are pretty simple, but no point checking without a known good battery. I can tell you how to check them if necessary, with general values. Sportsters are likely not that far off.