Sportster Problem
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: DC
Sportster Problem
Hello all,
My 2007 Sportster Low 883 wouldn't start a few days ago. After trying to charge the battery, replacing the fuses and relays and jump starting the bike, it finally started up. However, the engine light and the battery light remained on and the bike eventually stalled out. I couldn't start it again without a jump. I think that the charging system may not be working properly. Can anyone suggest possible issues and solutions?
Thanks.
My 2007 Sportster Low 883 wouldn't start a few days ago. After trying to charge the battery, replacing the fuses and relays and jump starting the bike, it finally started up. However, the engine light and the battery light remained on and the bike eventually stalled out. I couldn't start it again without a jump. I think that the charging system may not be working properly. Can anyone suggest possible issues and solutions?
Thanks.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Plymouth,ma
Get a voltmeter and take a reading on the battery
Then jump bike while bike is running take another reading
Should be higher than original reading if not remove batt and test for specific gravity maybe u got a dead batt
Then jump bike while bike is running take another reading
Should be higher than original reading if not remove batt and test for specific gravity maybe u got a dead batt
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: DC
I hooked up a voltmeter to the battery and it read 12.7, I turned on the bike and retested it and it said 13.8. I think that means that the charging system is working fine, but is it enough to bring the battery up to where it is supposed to be?
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Fully charge the battery and remove the charger, then let it sit overnight. It should measure at least 12.7-12.8 volts if holding a full charge.
Crank the bike and with it running at a fast idle, measure the battery voltage again. If you don't measure at least 13.5 volts, the charging system is dead.
Crank the bike and with it running at a fast idle, measure the battery voltage again. If you don't measure at least 13.5 volts, the charging system is dead.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
The engine light and the battery light remaining on indicates the system voltage is below 12V with the bike running, and that's likely going to be a bad stator or regulator.
With the battery is fully charged. the lights should stay off for a while, until the battery runs down again to below 12 volts, if the charging system isn't working.
With the battery is fully charged. the lights should stay off for a while, until the battery runs down again to below 12 volts, if the charging system isn't working.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: DC
I tested the voltage with bike turned on and I was getting a reading 13.7. Is that a good number for the charging system? If so, if I were to leave the bike running for a couple of hours, will the battery recharge or do you suggest a trickle charger. Assuming its a battery problem of course?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Plymouth,ma
I think 13.7 is an adequate out put at idle if you have a trickle charger put it on for 24 hours
Test the voltage after disconnecting the charger tomorrow if it is not any higher replace the battery
Test the voltage after disconnecting the charger tomorrow if it is not any higher replace the battery
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: DC
Despite the fact that I have not been riding the last few days, I am kinda excited about working on my on bike, even this basic stuff.