Charging System
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 354
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From: Indianapolis, IN
Charging System
So, went to go for a ride yesterday and battery didn't have enough juice to start. I know, should have had my tender hooked up, long story. Anyway I have noticed the last few times I rode the voltage never went above 11 or so on the dial. It started fine on Saturday, but I didn't ride her, just ler her warm up to make sure everything was good after the fluid change. Not sure how old the battery is, came with the bike when I bought it last Jan, but it was definitely not new when I got it. Bought the new battery, have it charging up.
Now to my question, is there a way to test the charging system? I'm worried that it may not just have been an old worn out battery and want to make sure before I take off to Daytona for bike week.
Now to my question, is there a way to test the charging system? I'm worried that it may not just have been an old worn out battery and want to make sure before I take off to Daytona for bike week.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,202
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From: NW AR
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 799
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From: WyoBraska (Western Nebraska)
Good info. Bookmarked.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 354
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From: Indianapolis, IN
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 94
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My 1990 ultra Volt meter only shows 11-13 volts, and I beleve it should show 14 volts. I never had a problem except when a new battery was needed. I gave up worrying about the low volt reading and figure the meter is off.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
Not to worry, my '95 shows the same, but when I hook up the multi-meter to the battery it shows 13.7-14 volts. The meters aren't the most accurate meter to begin with and usually don't get better with age. Check it at the battery with a good multi-meter, then you will know for sure. Hope this helps.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
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From: Middle of Kansas
The simple place to start is at the battery. Check the voltage with everything including the engine off. Start and check voltage at the battery with the engine running. It should at least be higher with it running. If not, you have a charging problem. Then go to Dr. Hess charging instructions. You can buy a cheap volt ohm meter from Harbor Freight for less than $10.00 that will be something you can use over and over.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 237
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Read dr hess's post and follow the directions to the tee. Its basicly verbaum from the FSM. He and a few others spent some time on me a few months back beating some cents in my head. All the test in the post take like 3 mins. Very easy.
