I read the sticky, but my issue isnt really there.
anyway...bought a 1990 ultra. Odo shows 29k miles...could be accurate, could be 129k miles...who knows .Cranking pressure, warm, is 185psi. So, that makes me feel good.
but. I have a bit of a voltage issue. I haven't dug in to it yet, since I've only ridden the bike 60 miles, but here's the issue. Engine fires right up, voltage gauge shows about 12.5-13v. This is with the lights off.
turn the lights on, and the voltage gauge shows 9-10v. Turn the lights off, and the voltage goes right back up. The bike wont crank with the lights on, either. But turn the lights off, and it cranks over great.
where do I need to start? Any other pointers or ideas? Thanks in advance!

 

Assuming you went through (and passed) all the tests in the sticky, the next thing I'd do is take a look at the battery. See if there is a date code on it and/or take it to an auto store and have it load tested. If it's old or fails the test, replace it and see what's what from there.

 

Battery is fairly new, agm. Passed voltage and amperage test with my battery tester, no issues...I think it's rated at 340cca, measured quite a bit higher amps, voltage was 12.7 or so, I didnt print off the results so i cant remeber exact numbers

 

Is this a USA spec bike? Your location ("Swva/netn") doesn't register with me.

Anyway, on a (stock) US spec bike, there is no such thing as turning off the lights. Instead, there is a starter relay under the right side cover that cuts out everything else (lights / gauges / radio / etc) when you engage the starter.

 

As far as i know, it is us spec. It was sold new in Chattanooga, tn. The key lock has has the switch that goes lock, ignition, lights, accessories. It's a big chrome key switch below the instrument cluster .I think I explained it correctly. It is possible to start and run the bike with no lights, until you switch the lights on

 

I get it now : SW Virginia / NE Tennessee!!

If the starter relay is working correctly, all the lights should temporarily cut out when you thumb the starter.

Lets go back to the beginning: You titled the thread "charging question", but then said "I read the sticky, but my issue isnt really there." Well, if it's a charging question, the sticky will answer it.

Did you run through the various tests on the sticky? If not, that's the next thing to do. The charging system on these things isn't complicated at all: You have a stator/rotor in the primary, and a voltage regulator to turn the AC into DC. There really isn't anything else to it.

Edit: You asked "It is possible to start and run the bike with no lights, until you switch the lights on". I don't understand the question, since (assuming it's a standard, US spec bike) there is no such thing as turning the headlight off. (Your spotlights will have a separate toggle switch on the dash. Is that what you're talking about?) If your headlight has an on/off switch, some prior owner has mucked up the wiring, so it's anyone's guess what you're working with.

 

Did you 'load test' the battery? Batteries are weird creatures, they may show fully charged, but place a load on them, and they may short out internally.

All the lights except for you driving lights should be on anytime the key is switched to 'ON'. If you've run the test protocol posted by Dr. Hess, I'd also suspect a faulty battery. Another area to check (after battery replacement) would be the connection between the stator and regulator. Unless the plug is firmly 'snapped' together, you will be getting intermittent charging of the battery, which will severely shorten battery life (personal experience).

 

Yeah sounds like a weak battery. My voltage gauge always shows just under 12v at idle. Sitting at a light with the brakes on it shows around 10v. Rev it up just a tad and its back over 12v. Was even worse with the old battery and before I replaced a bunch of the bulbs to LEDs.

 

if you are reading the harley voltage gauge on the dash, don't believe it. they are notorious for being inaccurate. use a hand held digital voltage gauge to check the volts at the battery when the motor is running.

 

there's a jumper wire under the speedo/tach that you can remove to keep the lights off in the "ignition" position. if it remember right it's between the ignition circuit breaker and the lights circuit breaker. one of the first things i did to my 85 was to remove the jumper wire. the bike will start in either position, i just have to remember to switch it to the lights position to have the light on.