Battery Problem, or something else going on?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Only a bad VR would allow over volting, not stator.
remember the stator produces AC voltage, on our bikes as much as 120 volts AC.
The VR converts to DC and limits the DC voltage supplied to the battery at under about 14.8 volts
Virtually all alternator charging systems on m/c's and automobiles since the 60's work this same basic way.
( older generators produce DC voltage to the battery, often with a relay type shunt to limit over volting...running the headlight in the day was another way to limit voltage- my '53, '53 and '63 are all like this, both 6 and 12 volt models)
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 25, 2014 at 12:43 PM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 552
From: NH
clarification ( as electricity is shrouded in mystery) :
Only a bad VR would allow over volting, not stator.
remember the stator produces AC voltage, on our bikes as much as 120 volts AC.
The VR converts to DC and limits the DC voltage supplied to the battery at under about 14.8 volts
Virtually all alternator charging systems on m/c's and automobiles since the 60's work this same basic way.
( older generators produce DC voltage to the battery, often with a relay type shunt to limit over volting...running the headlight in the day was another way to limit voltage- my '53, '53 and '63 are all like this, both 6 and 12 volt models)
mike
Only a bad VR would allow over volting, not stator.
remember the stator produces AC voltage, on our bikes as much as 120 volts AC.
The VR converts to DC and limits the DC voltage supplied to the battery at under about 14.8 volts
Virtually all alternator charging systems on m/c's and automobiles since the 60's work this same basic way.
( older generators produce DC voltage to the battery, often with a relay type shunt to limit over volting...running the headlight in the day was another way to limit voltage- my '53, '53 and '63 are all like this, both 6 and 12 volt models)
mike
Probably a bad voltage regulator...at 15+ volts you are overcharging the battery which will degrade battery life and eventually kill the battery...
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 10
From: San Angelo, Texas
pulled the seat and looked around, had a loose battery cable...tightened it up, checked the voltage and found it reading 13.5 at idle, 14.8 at 2000rpm. I had to be at Kent's HD today anyway ($100.0 gift card and $750 worth of store credit burning a hole in my pocket) so had them check it as well, and same results.
Shop manager pronounced fine and said watch the gauges (I do anyway) and if I saw it pegged out or below 13, call him and he's ship me a new VR.
Thanks for the input!
Shop manager pronounced fine and said watch the gauges (I do anyway) and if I saw it pegged out or below 13, call him and he's ship me a new VR.
Thanks for the input!
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 210
Likes: 14
From: VA
Seems like your dealer says yours is fine, but if it acts up again that may be the issue.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
Follow the advice these guys have offered. Measure at batt with VOM and you will pbly find your 2012 suffers the bad regulator. May be a warranty fix since this was an issue for some of the 2012 models.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 55
From: Londonderry, NH
clarification ( as electricity is shrouded in mystery) :
Only a bad VR would allow over volting, not stator.
remember the stator produces AC voltage, on our bikes as much as 120 volts AC.
The VR converts to DC and limits the DC voltage supplied to the battery at under about 14.8 volts
Virtually all alternator charging systems on m/c's and automobiles since the 60's work this same basic way.
( older generators produce DC voltage to the battery, often with a relay type shunt to limit over volting...running the headlight in the day was another way to limit voltage- my '53, '53 and '63 are all like this, both 6 and 12 volt models)
mike
Only a bad VR would allow over volting, not stator.
remember the stator produces AC voltage, on our bikes as much as 120 volts AC.
The VR converts to DC and limits the DC voltage supplied to the battery at under about 14.8 volts
Virtually all alternator charging systems on m/c's and automobiles since the 60's work this same basic way.
( older generators produce DC voltage to the battery, often with a relay type shunt to limit over volting...running the headlight in the day was another way to limit voltage- my '53, '53 and '63 are all like this, both 6 and 12 volt models)
mike
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 800
Likes: 407
From: Middle Tennessee
Search for the service bulletin on bad regulators on '12 touring bikes. They usually fail in hot weather, mine lasted 4 days after delivery.
There is a manufacturing code that can be read while the regulator is on the bike. Warranty is irrevelant, the replacement program is good until June 2014.
Your dealer can easily identify if yours is in the affected lot of bad ones.
There is a manufacturing code that can be read while the regulator is on the bike. Warranty is irrevelant, the replacement program is good until June 2014.
Your dealer can easily identify if yours is in the affected lot of bad ones.
