you need a volt meter - measure across battery plus and minus with bike off and with bike running - should increase from 12+ to around 14. If not the charging system is shot. If the stator is shot it will smell real bad if you take the derby (clutch) cover off. 90% of the time it's the voltage regulator.

 

Thanks for the input everyone. Yes this, I took it to my local shop and voltmeter says regulator is shot. I believe the fact they crammed that thing behind the oil cooler might be a problem. Nonetheless I have ordered a new one that I will install myself. Thx again.

 

Did they test the battery too? It may be permanently damaged from faulty charging. I am a little skeptical that some of these batteries under $100 are identical to OEM. Tons of threads on that.

 

Just went through this myself. A couple of months ago I purchased 08 ultra and had this same issue happen two weeks ago. The battery load tested fine but ultimately ended up being the issue. Turns out it was the original battery manufactured in 2007. When I took it out it rattled when you shook it. Something obviously loose inside caused it to short ocasionally when I hit a bump or turned. I believe the battery shorting out is what took out my voltage regulator. Replaced both and all is fine now. East Penn Manufacturing is the OEM for Harley. Find a local vendor that sells their 400 cca AGM battery and save yourself some $$.