Battery / Charging problem

[ou812]

'08 Ultra.  So first I notice that the engine light would remain on after starting for a couple of seconds.  Didn't think too much about it.  Then after a few days, I would see both the engine light and the Battery light come on seemingly at random (while riding at speed).  They would always go out and the bike never had any other problems.  Checked the battery connections and snugged a little (couldn't finger loosen but could've been tighter) and cleaned all the ECM and throttle body connections and applied fresh dielectric grease.

Probably doing it all along but now I notice that when the idiot lights go on, the voltmeter drops to 12 volts (usually at 14 or so), but when the lights go out it jumps back to normal.  Battery at idle is 12.2 V and under load of hitting the starter only drops to 10.5, so I'm guessing the one year old battery isn't the problem.  Now every alternator I've ever had fail was 'all or nothing', so since this one seems to cycle from working to not working, plus the fact that it's way newer that the bike since it was replaced when adding the new SE comp, I'm thinking it's OK too.

So where's this leave me?  Am I thinking right?  Is all that's left the rectifier/regulator?  The only error code I get is Low Battery (PO562 if I remember).  I did, BTW, clear that code and it did reappear. 

Any ideas for me?  Much appreciated!

[rbabos]

Test charging volts with a VOM at idle. Should be in the 14.2 range. Sounds like battery isn't getting charged for some reason. Only 3 possibles to deal with. Battery, stator or regulator. Each one has a test but I'd start with the basic charging test and go from there.
Ron

[Hossamania]

I would also put a full charge on that battery, then test it the next day. It should read at least 12.5 to 12.7 volts. I think it has been stated here that it should be even higher. If lower, battery is suspect. Then, a matter of trouble shooting the stator per the manual. As rbabos said, 14.2 volts running, regulator suspect if not.

[jamminhd2000]

I have worked on two 08 bikes in the last year that had same exact symptoms.....On both bikes the voltage regulator/rectifier was the culprit. Both bikes have over 3k miles with no issues...Jimmy

[ou812]

So I've determined that the stator is not shorted out by ohming out the connector to frame.  Battery measures up after full charge and wait a day (it's only a year old).  So just ordered Cycle Electric regulator, a name I remember well from my generator shovel!  $160 through Amazon compared to Harley dealer's $230 and known American Made!