I have a 2000 heritage classic. I think my charging system is not working. When I connect a multimemter to the battery it only shows 12.60 volts. I expected at least 13.8v at idle. I know very little about motorcylce mechanics. What reading should I be getting?

 

You need to check it before you start the engine, write that down, then check it with the engine running. Should be more. Exact numbers might vary a bit depending on the condition of your battery.

 

I did that. The reading is just a few tenths more when the engine is off.

 

If it's more when the engine if off you have a problem. Not charging.

 

idle may be set too low also, have you lowered the idle?

check battery Volts while shut off
Start the bike and check voltage
raise RPM to around 2000 rpm...any change?
what about the headlight as you raise RPM? get brighter?
shut bike off
check voltage again
higher than it was before you started the bike?

 

Check the regulator plug at the front of the engine too. They like to shake loose.