Hello to all I have a quick question on the new to me 1990 883 sportster I just picked up. Instead of the bike probably 50 times in the last few weeks that I've owned it just moving it and getting it running good the bike has originally 10,000 miles on it and it was a one owner bike. I have been noticing that it's been getting slower to start. He has a brand-new factory battery in it and it's fully charged as of today. Now for my problem when I start the bike the battery voltage is it 12.5 when I rev the bike a little bit the voltage goes to 12.7v . I have checked all the wiring and nothing is been tampered with and nothing has been disconnected the bike is all original my question is for now can I just charge the battery when I put it away at night and still use the bike without having a problem. Obviously I need to find out what's causing the problem but I just want to know if I can get some rides in with it the way that it is. Thanks

 

Stator is probably bad. Charging voltage should be above 13v. I wouldn't ride it until it's fixed. Could leave you stranded somewhere.

 

Yes sounds like a regulator or stator, you should have about 14.5 volts with the engine well above idle.
You should be fine to ride it as long as you only shut it off at the top of a hill , seriously though you should fix it as it could stop charging anytime and then your hooped.

 

A quick update I just pulled the primary plug and the fluid is very clean and does not smell burnt or like electrical at all. I think it may just be the regulator what you all think ?

 

I think there is testing procedure for the regulator in the service manual.

 

This might help if you don't have a service manual.
http://blog.jpcycles.com/step-by-ste...arging-system/

 

I'm going through the same thing on my 89 hugger. Just replaced the regulator and have the new stator on hand. I also have a new breaker in the mail. I just found today that when I plugged the regulator wire into the stator one of the prongs got pushed back. I jumped it off and took it for a quick ride and when I got back it actually started on it's own! Just once though....