This summer I have noticed a lot of problems with Harley-Davidson's starting and charging systems. These systems are very simple, but they are systems that will leave you pushing your bike or stranded.

Let's start by explaining how a charging system works. The system starts with a coil of wire and turns a magnetic field around it. This causes the coil or starter to produce an A/C voltage. The A/C voltage is then sent to the regulator where it is converted to a D/C voltage and put into the battery. As you can see, it is a simple system, but it has its own share of problems. Whenever I run into a charging system problem, the first thing I check is the stator connector on the front of the motor. This will tend to come loose and cause a no-charge problem. Nine times out of ten, if that connection is on, you will have a bad regulator or starter. If you have problems in these areas it is best to have a good shop check and repair it or you may waste money on parts you don't need.

The next area is the starter. Harley started using the new style starter in 1989 and cured most of their problems. The only problems we seem to have are bad starter clutches. These clutches are used to overrun if you hold the button in to long. They tend to go bad now and then, but for the most part Harley has a very good starter.