How can i test the charging system on a Harley Davidson sportster 883?

Question

i need to know why i am finding a dead battery its only had 8month from new and its happened three times ,and i would like to do a few test before i take it to the dealer .when my friend did some voltage test across the battery terminals and started the engine(i had to recharge the battery) it was giving 15v to 18v .with the battery out should i get a continuity reading across the terminals ???

thanks

Answer 1

do you use the factory security?  they kill a battery rather quickly.  could also just be loose terminal connections, check that they are clean and tight.  your dealer can test the battery with a handheld tester that gives a printout for warranty purposes

Answer 2

If you are getting 15 to 18V at the battery, your charging system is fine. Dig up your recept and take it back to the dealer and get a new battery. If it's not holding a charge, it's shot. You could check the acid/water level in each cell and make sure each cell has all plates covered.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You know that old idea, if something doesn't work, why do people keep doing it, expecting a different reaction? Well, that's what you are doing.

Your batteries are a symptom of something else being wrong.Check you connections, but it sounds like your regulator to me. I've included a couple of links that should help you out.

Answer 4

Ellen is correct, your charging system sound fine, but you may have a short that is draining the battery while the bike is parked.

Answer 5

Harley rider tells me that if you are showing 16V  with the engine running, your regulator is shot and you are probably boiling batteries.

I got the info while preparing to to test a Honda Magna.   I was told that at 16-19V charging he was popping head light bulbs.  I had that experience with the Honda, as well.  

Assuming that all 12 V systems are equal, the battery should hold 13V and the regulator should charge it at 14.5 V.