2014 48 has charging problems
2014 48 has charging problems
Hey guys I have owned a 2014 48 for about 3 years now. Ive been battling with this thing over the past two years. To give you guys a back story, Im on the third battery. The original battery was replaced by HD after about a year because it was faulty. Then I replaced the second battery after about 10 months.
Now Im having problems with the third one. I would keep the bike on the tender because of my issues with the previous batteries. Last night I left the bike outside and I hooked it up to the tender so I wouldnt have an issue in the morning. When I tried to start her, she would barely crank. I tried to start her 3 times but no luck. When I checked the voltage it read 12.5
Any ideas? Im really tired of having to guess if my bike will start or not every time I want to ride it. When I had the 1,000 mike inspection they said the charging system was fine. Voltage regulator? Starter? Any input would be gladly appreciated.
Now Im having problems with the third one. I would keep the bike on the tender because of my issues with the previous batteries. Last night I left the bike outside and I hooked it up to the tender so I wouldnt have an issue in the morning. When I tried to start her, she would barely crank. I tried to start her 3 times but no luck. When I checked the voltage it read 12.5
Any ideas? Im really tired of having to guess if my bike will start or not every time I want to ride it. When I had the 1,000 mike inspection they said the charging system was fine. Voltage regulator? Starter? Any input would be gladly appreciated.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,013
Likes: 7,137
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Originally Posted by Toma48
Any ideas? Im really tired of having to guess if my bike will start or not every time I want to ride it. When I had the 1,000 mike inspection they said the charging system was fine. Voltage regulator? Starter? Any input would be gladly appreciated.
Mostly short trips?
Check your batt under load.
12.5V means little if that's static.
9000 miles. Mostly short trips 15-30 minutes.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 362
Likes: 158
From: Tn
My regulator went out on my 2016 48 while on a trip. Bought a second battery and charger while camping through Missouri and charged one at night to make sure I made it it home. They replaced the regulator under warranty and I keep it on a trickle charger and ride several times a week year round. I keep her on a trickle charger and ride several times a week and she still cranks very slow in cold weather. Check your regulator.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 592
From: Philly PA
Check all of your battery cables, both ends. That means the positive at the starter and the battery, and for the negative both at the stud in the engine case and at the battery.
Also, you can check the stud in the engine case to ensure it is tight. Unhook the cable from the stud and put a wrench on the stud to ensure it is tight. Then put the ground cable back on the stud and tighten.
To check stator disconnect the regulator from the stator, start the bike, and check the voltage coming from the stator. It should be about 18volts per 1000 rpm and your volt meter should be set on volts AC.
Cycle Electric has the testing procedures on their website.
Also, what mods have you done to the bike? Anything involving electrical system? Even simply disconnecting something?
Also, you can check the stud in the engine case to ensure it is tight. Unhook the cable from the stud and put a wrench on the stud to ensure it is tight. Then put the ground cable back on the stud and tighten.
To check stator disconnect the regulator from the stator, start the bike, and check the voltage coming from the stator. It should be about 18volts per 1000 rpm and your volt meter should be set on volts AC.
Cycle Electric has the testing procedures on their website.
Also, what mods have you done to the bike? Anything involving electrical system? Even simply disconnecting something?
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 370
Likes: 69
From: Laredo, TX
As previously posted, check all connections and ensure they are tight. Borrow a powervision or a volt meter and check the voltage while running. I had a similar issue and the culprit wound up being an intermittent voltage regulator. It would work when it felt like it. I would randomly get the charging system light on the gauge.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
We have Stickies in the Tech Electrical section. Having followed the advice above about checking and cleaning electrical connections, check your charging system using those Stickies. If there is a problem with battery, alternator or regulator that will help identify it. You'll need a multimeter. Let us know what you find.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
Charging issurs
Check all of your battery cables, both ends. That means the positive at the starter and the battery, and for the negative both at the stud in the engine case and at the battery.
Also, you can check the stud in the engine case to ensure it is tight. Unhook the cable from the stud and put a wrench on the stud to ensure it is tight. Then put the ground cable back on the stud and tighten.
To check stator disconnect the regulator from the stator, start the bike, and check the voltage coming from the stator. It should be about 18volts per 1000 rpm and your volt meter should be set on volts AC.
Cycle Electric has the testing procedures on their website.
Also, what mods have you done to the bike? Anything involving electrical system? Even simply disconnecting something?
Also, you can check the stud in the engine case to ensure it is tight. Unhook the cable from the stud and put a wrench on the stud to ensure it is tight. Then put the ground cable back on the stud and tighten.
To check stator disconnect the regulator from the stator, start the bike, and check the voltage coming from the stator. It should be about 18volts per 1000 rpm and your volt meter should be set on volts AC.
Cycle Electric has the testing procedures on their website.
Also, what mods have you done to the bike? Anything involving electrical system? Even simply disconnecting something?