Motorcycle Repair: yamaha charging system, yamaha virago 750, ac volts

Question
I have an '82 yamaha virago 750 that does not appear to charge the battery when running. Voltmeter only recorsh 11.5 volts with bike running. Where do I start to isolate the problem. Rectifier or stator?

Answer
Garry,

-make sure you have a good and charged battery
in the bike. Double check cables and fuses
and wire connectors. Check ground cables
to engine or frame.
-follow the wires from the alternator to their
connector.
-connect a multimeter between any two of the
3 white stator wires, should have about 60 volts "AC"
with engine revved up a bit. Set meter on "AC"volts.
-check that none of the white stator wires are grounded to engine
or frame.
-if you have voltage there, your stator may be okay.
-check rectifier connector and grounds.
-if this doesn't help, the rectifier is likely
faulty.