Hi,
I have a 1986 Elektra Glide Classic. I know it is not a youngster and it has 110k in tacho. I am fixing here and there and it is great to have it and ride it.
I have a question however concerning electronics. I know i should not rely on the values read on the voltage gauge, but is it normal that by using the turn signal or the breaks and voltage drops? Or some parts of the system (generator, regulator) is getting worn out? Or it is only a sign of some bad connection that should be cleaned properly?
Thanks!ű
Andrew

 

Could be any or a combination of the things your mentioned. A good start would be here:

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo/8...ng-system.html

It's a good guide for checking and running through your electrical system.

The other thing I would do is get a volt meter and post some voltages of your battery at rest, then voltage while running with little or no elecrical load, then with a typical electrical load (lights and turn signal, accessories running, etc.).

It will help us help you.

 

This is a sort of generic list of easy things to look at on a bike that old, in no particular order:
( Note: I’m riding an 85 FXRS that I bought new)
First thing I’d do is check all the grounds. Clean and tight is required. Poor grounds in a 12 volt DC system are often the gremlins that send us chasing everything else. A simple voltmeter test on your battery can reveal how much drop is experienced upon starting, turn signals, etc.
It will also tell you the voltage sent to the battery from the regulator. Load test the battery.Check AC output of the stator/rotor to make sure enough AC volts are being produced. Condition of cables can cost you voltage. Battery cables can experience corrosion up under the insulation. They’re cheap, replace if there’s any question whatsoever.
Hope this helps anyone reading it.

 

Thank you very much for this fast reply!
So in other words, the voltage should not drop even when the system correctly loaded? More or less the voltage gauge should have a steady read?

 

My bike has always done that, and it has never caused any problems. The wiring on that bike is old like my 1989 EG. As long as the gage tells you it’s charging and it’s only showing lower charge at a stop with turn signal brakes on, I’d live with it. When it suddenly drops to zero while you are riding, there is something going on with the charging system. Good luck.

 

Yeah, it's normal. Mine has done it since new. I could give you the technical reasons, but, "They All Do That, Sir."

 

Thank you all! First i stop worrying, second will check on the whole system as recommended.