2000 sporster1200 xl custom - Harley Forum

88cu · #1 08-20-2008, 06:11 PM

i really need some help for my son's sporster, here is the problem
he just bought a new battery and it ran great for 5 days and now it sounds like it wants to crank over on the first try and then all you get is clicking sound after the first try.

clif02 · #2 08-20-2008, 08:15 PM

It appears you have a charging problem..or a bad battery even though it is new, or something is draining the battery. I bought a new battery last year and it lasted a week. It had a bad cell in it. It would be worth your time to pull the battery and have it tested. If the battery is good and you have a voltmeter you'll need to start working your way through the charging and electrical system. We have some super smart guys on this forum that can start you in the right place and where to check first. Ace. Frisco, Wright and a host of others have probably run into this before or have a better idea what to check. Clif

88cu · #3 08-21-2008, 01:35 AM

thanks clif, i will pass on the info to my son

mad mike · #4 08-23-2008, 08:16 PM

If you put voltmeter on the bike while it is running it should be in the 14 volt range ,14.35 as a example if it is the 13 or 15 volt range you have charging problem probaly the voltage regulator also check the obvious battery connections,ground cable to the crankcase, and starter ground, checking your battery and ignition fuses would'nt hurt either. hope this helps.

88cu · #5 08-26-2008, 12:08 AM

hey mad mike thanks for your input, i really do think it is a charging problem because we just put another brand new battery and this time it only lasted 1 full day of riding before the bike completly shut off on him and would not even kick over with a start. what do you think?Stupid question so here goes, does the voltmeter go on the actual voltage regulator when testing? someone also mentioned it could be the stater and the rotor and they are telling me there in the primary, is this true?

Wrightturn · #6 08-26-2008, 12:44 AM

1 charge the battery
2 read the voltage at the battery installed in the bike
3 read the voltage at the battery with the engine running.

Voltage should be at least 12.5 engine off and 14 running.
If system is charging disconnect battery and read resistance across the battery terminals. If high resistance with key off have wiring problem (short) to track down. If not charging most likely stator and I will post test info.

88cu · #7 08-26-2008, 03:42 PM

how would you measure resistance on the battery?Where is the stator located? someone told my son its in the primary, is this true

Wrightturn · #8 08-26-2008, 04:22 PM

Hey 88,
It is in the primary. Disconect the battery and read resistance across cables. We are looking for something drawing on the battery with the key off. Do you have voltage increase at the battery ? Ground cable clean on both ends ? Any check engine lights ?

frisco-rigid · #9 08-26-2008, 07:20 PM

Hey 88

Wright is very hip to this stuff so perform the tests he suggests..

As for the stator, it is in the primary and the connection sticks out the front of the primary and the Voltage Reg plugs into it..
These tests are in your Sons Manual----- he does have a manual doesn't he,, hmmmmm..????

With motor off, un-plug VR and stick both probes of your Volt/Amp/Ohm meter, set on Ohm's low resistance, into the female plug holes in the stator plug.. It should read from .1 to .4---- I'm not sure what exactly on your Sons particular motor, but somewhere with-in that range..
Now, with 1 probe in 1 stator hole touch the other probe to ground (motor, bolt, etc.),, there should be NO reading what-so-ever.. Repeat with other stator hole.. Even though both stator holes connect deep inside the stator windings I still like to insert and test in both holes.. I'm just that kinda guy..!

Now if either of those tests fail you need a new stator..

Another test to perform for charging efficiency..
With motor ON, and VR still un-plugged and Meter on AC VOLTS, insert both probes into stator plug holes, careful to not touch ground (the side of the motor-case hole for instance) at the same time.. Now rev up the motor kinda slow..
The meter should read about 20 AC Volts per 1,000 RPM's to total about 60 at 3,000 RPM's..
This is the method for testing on our Big Twins but I doubt very much if the readings or methods are any diff for Sons 1200 sport..
Have a ball..!!

hotrodsporty · #10 08-26-2008, 08:37 PM

Correct again frisco, the sporty charging system will react just the same as the big twins. good advice from everyone.