83 Sportster Voltage Regulator?

Question

After installing a new battery, it would not turn motor over after a few weeks. Put it back on 1.5 amp trickle charger and juiced it back up. Same thing happened again. Recharged battery, checked voltage with bike at 2000 rpm and with bike not running. When running, it was reading less than when off.  Tested generator, and it is putting out current.

I checked with 4 or 5 places and find prices from a low of $25.00 to high of $125 for a voltage regulator. What would be the difference in one brand than another. Hey, the bike is a boat anchor and will only beat something that has less than a 250cc motor, so high performance is not a reqirment.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Regulator problems can cause the battery to boil from over charging. If your volt meter showed over 15V charging a 12V battery that could be your culprit.   Lots of times you'll blow headlight bulbs as a result of over charging due to a faulty regulator.

I'd be looking for a bad ground, though, probably where the battery cable attaches to the engine . I'd also check the union block where the alternator plugs into the regulator harness for melting or corrosion.

Try  the easiest, cheapest fixes, first.

? · Answer

I usually use electrasport.com for their aftermarket charging system components.  Or a place like Ricks.    The price of $25 sounds like a used voltage regulator or perhaps a REALLY great sale price.

Electrasport.com also has a complete step by step how to diagnose charging system problems on motorcycles section.  In case you don't have a manual.  It gives what the voltage should be and how to do it.

Anonymous · Answer

You need a Clymer manual for the bike, it will tell you EXACTLY how to troubleshoot the charging system on your bike.  IT sounds like all you need to figure it out.

I applaud you for not asking a dumb question about "how much performance will a $400 pipe and a $65 air filter give my 39 hp bike"?

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83 Sportster Voltage Regulator?

3 Answers