I just went out for a quick ride today. 31degrees, yeah it was a quick ride. I had a hard time starting her but she finally turned over. While warmingup, at 1500 rpm,my volt meter was registering 12-13. After it was warm I put it in gear and as soon as I rolled on the throttle, the volt meter dropped to about 9. I cruised on down the road and at a steady 55mph and 2800 rpm my volt meter was registeringbetween 8 and 9.
I checked my battery terminals and all looked nice and clean. I am guessing it is just an older battery and I will buy a new one. I bought the bike used in October and do not know how old the battery is.
Any suggestions on batteries? I would really like to know which onesNOT to getso I don't make a $100 mistake.

 

On my 96 EGlide Classic, a new battery did not solve my volt meter fluctuations. Giggled the connector at the regulator, and it seemed to have stop the drop in voltage at speed.

Batterystill drains quickly at repose and after the cold is gone, I will pull ALL the connectors down and check every ground.

 

It's unusual that a bad battery would drag your voltage down that far with the engine running - although the battery may well be bad, I'd have a dealer check the regulator too - a bad battery will usually act normal with the engine running - not always, but, usually. Voltage regulators have never been HD's strong suit (understatement of the day?).

 

Thanks guys. I'll post when I get her looked at and resolved.

 

DONT get an ULTIMA battery...had nothin but probs on the chop with them...they were designed for a computer back up batt and have little reserve [:@][:'(]

 

Voltage regulator is my bet... And be careful with any further riding cuz you're draining that battery down to nothing - running on the battery basically, so you may end up at the side of the road next ride. Chargeit up again with a trickle charger before you do any more.

Good luck and report back to us what you find...

 

It sure sounds to me like thealternator may be bad.Honestly,without the test gear you are just guessing.Either the dealer or a friend with the test equipment can test both the regulator and the alternator.When a battery is under load the voltage will be around 7 to 9 volts,not charging being charged.

 

Sounds like regulator to me