Motorcycle Repair: electrical issues with a 91 sporty, ac volts, clutch basket

Question
Hey Mike,

MY buddies 91 sporty 1200 was running good, but if he stopped, his battery would be dead and he couldn't start back up. i thought it was a battery, so we changed that, he made it a mile down the road and the bike crapped out, backfiring, and bogging down. also we got no signal for the alternator with a test light, so now that's what we're thinking of changing. can you think of any other potential issues, or a good way to determine for sure if it's the alternator before we get into an expensive job. also, can you give us a rundown of the steps to remove the alternator, if that's what we gotta do.

thanks,

ben

Answer
First, you need to test the stator, which is what you have. Do a OHMs test from ground to each wire after you unplug the regulator. Then start the bike and at the stator you should have about 60 AC volts at 2000 RPM. If the stator passes, the the regulator is bad.
If the stator is bad then you have to remove the primary cover, motor sprocket and clutch basket. the stator is behind the clutch basket
Good luck and happy riding
Mike