Sportster Electrical Issues (Stator?)
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Stage II
Joined: May 2024
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From: Nashville
Sportster Electrical Issues (Stator?)
Sorry if this is in the wrong category, I didn’t know if it would be engine or electrical… I have a 1995 Sportster 883. I got it from a friend a month ago and it’s been great so far. Yesterday it started acting weird. It didn’t start, I assumed I left the light on and the battery was dead, so I push started it and rode to where I was going (15 miles). Then after my appointment I went to leave and it didn’t start again. I push started it again. I then tested the battery and it read 12.8 volts, weird. Then, when I was at work, I went to go somewhere, same thing, it didn’t start, so I pushed it dropped the clutch and it started. After riding for a couple of minutes I lost all power. The bike was barely making any power, hardly pulling me and the lights weren’t shining. From what I have read online, I need to replace the stator. Does that sound right and could I do it myself? I have 3.5/5 mechanic skills. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,064
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man if you push start it by yourself, it is a feat in itself.
first, get the FSM and then test.
forget the chinisium stators as most do not last.
also, the primary oil should not contain any sulfur as it will attack the copper.
a little pricey but the cycle electric stator is worth considering.
if you get their regulator along with it, their warranty is extended.
for a quick test, if you have a vom, pull the regulator plug off and test for ac voltage on the two outside terminals.
also of note: KISS IT
make sure the regulator is grounded, many add an extra ground wire from regulator case to engine/frame. it grounds via the fasteners but without a good ground, it will not work.
first, get the FSM and then test.
forget the chinisium stators as most do not last.
also, the primary oil should not contain any sulfur as it will attack the copper.
a little pricey but the cycle electric stator is worth considering.
if you get their regulator along with it, their warranty is extended.
for a quick test, if you have a vom, pull the regulator plug off and test for ac voltage on the two outside terminals.
also of note: KISS IT
make sure the regulator is grounded, many add an extra ground wire from regulator case to engine/frame. it grounds via the fasteners but without a good ground, it will not work.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,562
Likes: 7,917
From: Long Island, New York
Battery or Voltage Regulator. If the battery is less than 3 years old and maintained, I would be testing the regulator. If the battery is of unknown origin and likely more than 5 years old, go get a new one. Stator is further down the list.
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Stage II
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 2
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From: Nashville
even though it died after I push started it and ran it for a long time, you would still do those other things first?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,562
Likes: 7,917
From: Long Island, New York
Even if not charging, she will start and run off a charged battery. When the battery gets drained, she will sputter and die. Recharge the battery, if she starts right back up, you know you are not charging while riding. Voltage regulator is a 45 minute job, stator is all day. I think there is a sticky on here somewhere on how to test the voltage regulator, find that and do that instead of throwing parts at it.
All that said, if not charging, regulator is far more suspect than the stator. And cheaper and easier to replace. Diagnostic time.
All that said, if not charging, regulator is far more suspect than the stator. And cheaper and easier to replace. Diagnostic time.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,686
Likes: 8,292
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by Architect
I think there is a sticky on here somewhere on how to test the voltage regulator,.... if not charging, regulator is far more suspect than the stator. And cheaper and easier to replace. Diagnostic time.
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