Posted this in electrical forum also, but thought with so many more viewing here I might get a quicker answer.

I have 2000 Heritage that is carburated. The bike is totally stock with 6000 miles on it.

I went to start it and only got the clicking, not turning over at all. First thing I did was tightened the battery posts, this seemed to work after push starting it.

Next day bike was dead again. So bought new battery, charged it to 12.5 volts and installed it. Started bike right off. Shut it off and it started again. Shut it off and it was dead again???

Let bike sit for a couple hours, buddy comes over to take a look at it. Starts right up again! He throws a meter on the battery terminals, bike is not charging at an idle. Crack the throttle a couple times to get the rpms up and starts charging. Let it idle again and still charging. Crack the throttle again and quits charging and battery falls to 10 volts.

Anyone know where I should look from here??? I have thought I should check the connections on the starter, but not sure what I have to do to get to the starter terminals???

Thanks!

Jim

 

I think the bike is just pissed because you plan to change it's color.

 

I would start by inspecting all connections - especially the ground... if they are all good/clean/tight, then my next suspect would be a faulty voltage regulator to explain intermitant charging/not charging.
Intermitant no start really has nothing to do with your charging system though. A fully charged battery should start your bike every time until the amount of charge drops below the minimum voltage required to opperate starter. Also check your starter switch by removing the small wire at the starter solonoid and checking it with a voltmeter to verify proper voltage when switch is enguaged. If all connections are good and battery is fully charged, your starter may be begining to fail.
So basically it sounds like two different symptoms which leads me back to thinking bad ground...

 

Get the bike running and check your battery voltage. With the engine running, it should be around 14 volts dc give or take a little. if it's not (and lower than battery voltage with the motor off) your stator, rotor or regulator could be the problem. It sounds to me like the battery is not charging with the bike running.

Oops! I just reread your post. I'd check the stator next. Disconnect the voltage regulator and put the meter (AC volts) on the stator connector (the side coming out of the primary) and check the voltage there. It should vary between 20 and 60 volts ac depending on rpm. I just had to replace my stator. It went from 5vac at idle to maybe 20. It was pretty badly burnt when I got it out. Speaking of which, you'd probably smell a burnt stator already. NASTY! Is your check engine or battery light coming on?

 

That is a good one!

OK, I will not change the tins.......this month

 

What do I have to do to get to the starter? Remove back fender??? Take the oil tank out???

I would like to check the wire connections on the starter. They are good at the regulator.

Thanks,

Jim

 

It is in your primary. I recommend getting a manual for your bike and read it well then determine your ability to do the job.

 

Ordered and payed for the manual from the dealer two weeks ago! Still not in. As for my "ability to do the job", heck I can tear anything apart.

I figure that after I get the bike tore so far apart, I might as well put the new goodies I have for it on.

I now have the whole back end off.........bags, passenger pillion, seat, backrest, rear fender, splash gaurd.......and I STILL CAN NOT SEE the wires going to the starter!

I guess the oil tank is the next project.

 

lol, that gave me a good chuckle crawdad......

 

Forget what I replied with above, I some how I read stator when starter was wrote. Probably because reading this post I have stator on the mind as culprit, that or regulator.
Good luck with your fix, hope your back on the road reliably soon.