Electrical Issues

[TheRealSpinner]

My bike has been running fine for the last 500 or miles.  Now, all of a sudden, I'm having issues.

With the key off, I check the voltage and the battery says 12.something volts.  When I turn the key on, no lights turn on, and the voltage drops to zero.  When I hook up jumper cables to my truck (without running the truck) the bike starts no problem.  When I check the voltage, it says something less than 12 volts.  When I disconnect the battery and jumper cables and the bike idles, but when I try to rev it, it kind of sputters and won't rev.  It doesn't die, but it won't rev.  I checked the battery and it said 12.something volts again, and I checked positive lead to the bike, and it jumps around from about 4 volts to 8 or 9 volts.

Does this mean I need a new rectifier?  This is really bugging me.  That, and the dog next door won't stop barking.

-SPiNNeR-

[JAY W]

Sounds like your battery`s buggered on the amps,you could disconnect it, try arking it out to see how much life is there,also you could check reg` whilst hooked up to jump leads.

[TheRealSpinner]

Well, I had the battery checked and it tested bad, so I replaced it; the bike started right up. I just hope the charging system is good. Does anybody know how to check it?

-SPiNNeR-

[Paulcet]

It's in the FAQ: How to check the charging system

[TheRealSpinner]

Thanks.  I guess I was rushing.  I didn't even think of checking FAQ section.  Will do.

-SPiNNeR-