Hi, i just passed my test and am using my old mans sportster xlh883. its a 1989. he hasnt used it for a while so with the passion of somebody desperate to get on the road i insured it, mot'd it, and taxed it. i took it out for the first time and couldnt get it started again when i stopped, the battery was too flat to turn the starter. i managed to bump start it though, and got it home where i put the battery on charge. the next evening, i took it out again, stopped and couldnt get it started again. after bumping it again and riding home in the dark, i noticed the lights getting dimmer until finally just short of my house the bike cut out and i was left to roll down my lane in almost pitch black save for the tiny bit of light coming from my headlight.
so i came to the conclusion that the battery isnt charging at all and that the bike is running solely off of the battery. I'm desperate to fix this, but obviously dont have money to throw about, but if anybody can tell me what it is or how i can fix it i would be very greatful.
I thought it was the alternator, but then heard from somebody that it could be the regulator, but that i had to test it somehow.
Hope you guys can help.
Cheers
so i came to the conclusion that the battery isnt charging at all and that the bike is running solely off of the battery. I'm desperate to fix this, but obviously dont have money to throw about, but if anybody can tell me what it is or how i can fix it i would be very greatful.
I thought it was the alternator, but then heard from somebody that it could be the regulator, but that i had to test it somehow.
Hope you guys can help.
Cheers