Motorcycle Repair: electrical 1983 gl1100 goldwing, regulator rectifier, headlight circuit

Question
SOS Fast...
I am having only 6 amps output from the alternator and have no idea how to locate the draining or cause.
This started as a headlight problem and it is a new bike to us as of 2 days ago and our only transportation. Any information you can share is greatly appreciated.

thank you,

kim  

Answer
www.electrexusa.com has a good troubleshooting guide on a PDF download for free.

If you have an ampmeter, pull all the fuses and then connect the ampmeter to the battery. Turn on the ignition switch and start putting fuses back in until you find the circuit that is causing a large draw, if that is the case.

Perhaps the stator is failing or the regulator rectifier may be losing a leg of the charging system. Not an uncommon failure in older Wings. Here was a source for Wing parts I just found online  http://www.damagedbikes.com/goldwing.htm

Headlight problems are often traced to the stater button circuit. When the button is out/released the headlight should come on when the ignition is switched on. When the button is depressed, the headlight circuit is opened and the starter circuit closes, engaging the starter motor. When the button is released again, the starter quits and the headlight resumes. The dual circuit switch is known to have reliability issues.  FYI....

Bill Silver