HD Battery concern...

[Loki]

Ok man give us better details.

When the battery is at 12v, is that before, during, after the bike is running?
When the battery shows 11v when the fan turns on is that before, during, after the bike is running?

We realllllyyyyy need to know ALL the details since you want us to trouble shoot your bike without touching or seeing it. Like everyone has said, if the battery starts the bike the bike should begin to charge the battery, however dont be surprised if you do not see the battery sitting above 12v at idle. The stator doesnt have to much at idle to charge the battery up to 14v. But the bike should not die at idle (unless the battery is 100% shot inside and not holding a charge, or the charging system is shot on your bike).

Put a meter on the battery when the bike is running, rev the bike some, the voltage should go up a little.

Come back with more details. You will most likely want to replace that battery anyways now since it has gone under its cranking voltage so many times.

EDIT- Also WHILE youre cranking the bike, it is normal for the battery voltage to drop a lot, that is because the bike is pulling a LARGE amount of current from the battery. That is why the batteries are suppose to be a min of 12.7volts recommended.

 

[HMTRAN]

What year is your bike? I believe it was the '07 and below that haf problems with the connector #77. The stator plug. Check the connector first, its on the right side of your bike behind your covers. Make sure its clean, not burnt up, and seated properly. While you're at it. With the bike running you can check your stator output voltage from the connector. With bike running around 2-2500 rpm, you should get about 45-55vac I believe. If that's good and you plug it back together and still get no charge voltage at the battery, then your vr is dead. Just because it was recently replaced doesn't mean it can't fail.

 

[egobuster1]

if it was just recently replaced at a HD dealer take it back, they warranty all there work im pretty sure for like a year

 

[BuellRonin]

2005 XB12scg

1. bike is at 12.3v with battery charged. (before cranking)

2. bike cranked and bike keeps initial voltage (idling)

3. voltage on battery doesn't go up after cranked....stays at 12.2 (idling)

4. once bike gets to 220 degrees fan kicks on and voltage drops to 11.9 and continues to fall as fan is on. (idling)

5. turn off bike, let it set.

6 check voltage again, voltage is 11.2

7. lights on, but will not crank.

8. Had regulator/stator replaced 4/13/13. HD warrantys parts and labor for 90 days.

9. I bought the 77 connector, but since I bought both the stator/regulator the connections were new and they didnt install it.

I appreciate the help and input, but this is where I'm at. Hopefully come Tuesday I can get it to another shop I found and give them a go. But I've been dealing with little things like this since I purchased her...now I'm at the point where I will trade exclusivity for reliability. She's been great when she's running proper, but that time has been short compared to money thrown at her so far.

Cheers!

 

[Loki]

Trust me it is rare for problems on the xb's. Once you get it fixed these bikes are even ok when you wreck them (mostly).

It is sounding like your bike isnt charging the battery. You need a way to test the voltage while you are riding so you can tell if it is charging.

 

[egobuster1]

i would say its a problem in the charging system for sure. when i start my bike and its idling when i have ecmspy hooked up its shows a volt read > 14v

 

[BuellRonin]

Sadly, I agree. Just at 4 months another charging system issue...no cheap issue. I already dropped the money to avoid this issue...if I have to do it again...the bike is gone.

 

[Loki]

No, take it back to HD. They "fixed" it before but it is still an issue and it is their fault.

 

[Cooter]

Yep. I second Loki.
Did I miss where you told us what it charges at?
Starting it, and letting it idle for 20 mins until the fan comes on is NOT charging it. That's all draw.

 

[BuellRonin]

I don't have a way to ride and test if or what it's charging at.

I just look at the voltage before I ride and check it after...battery drops from 12v to 11v.

Will call HD, but I feel they are just going to say..."what, its' not our problem".

Cheers!

 

[Cooter]

You don't have to be riding it.
With the voltmeter hooked up, place your hand on the right hand grip and twist it towards you.
Does the voltage go up? If not, go see HD.
Happy Labor Day!!