Motorcycle Repair: ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON WHILE RIDING, fxstc, stator

Question
Hello Mike,
I just finished the 10,000 mile service.  The battery charge was 12.7 volts but the voltage while running (charging) was 13.5 at idle and revving. After a few days of riding the engine and battery light came on. I checked the voltage 11.7 while the running voltage was the same 11.7. Thus the battery is not charging while the bike is running. The dealer has a week back up for service!

1. Since the bike, a 2009 FXSTC is less than a year old, could there possibly be a simpler explanation instead of having to change the stator, or regulator or both? I cleaned the battery posts etc. After charging it starts strongly and seems to run well. The bike is under warranty for 5 years.

2. Can I ride the bike like this?

3. If so, how far can I go: the dealer is about 15 miles away. To go to my clients I do about 30 to 40 miles a day.

Thank you for any help I can get.

Answer
Either the stator or voltage regulator is bad. You can ride with the battery charged, but when you get around 9 volts the bike is not going to run right and will not start. It is hard to say how far you can go. You will probably make the 15 miles, the 30 to 40 might be pushing it.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike