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Bad Stator Symptoms Harley Riders? Here’s What To Do

by

Chase Manhattan

Chase Manhattan Avatar
Owner and Editor at The Wrench Network

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Hey y’all, it’s Chase Manhattan! I’m a life-long automotive and motorcycle enthusiast with a knack for diagnostics that I hope to share with you! Lately, I’ve been running my own motorcycle rental business, which you can read about here, and it has been a great experience that has allowed me to own numerous bikes that I probably couldn’t justify otherwise. Plus, it’s been a great way to experience new places while on vacation. If you haven’t heard of them before, I definitely recommend checking out the Riders-Share platform if you get the itch to ride while away from home, or if you want to explore a cheaper way to own and ride motorcycles!

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Riding a Harley is an exhilarating experience, but it can turn sour if a faulty stator comes into play. You might wonder, “what happens when a stator goes bad?” or “what are the symptoms of a bad stator?” These are valid concerns for every biker. Understanding these symptoms and how they impact your precious Harley’s performance is crucial to maintaining that thrilling experience.

This detailed article, penned by a seasoned wrench, will guide you through the tell-tale signs of a failing stator, what to expect if it goes bad, and the steps Harley riders can take to handle this bike trouble proficiently. Ignition issues, battery troubles, or a sputtering engine could be your stator crying out for attention. Let’s dive into details and maintain that smooth ride!

What Is a Stator, and How Does It Function?

Let’s begin by understanding what a stator is and its role in your Harley Davidson. A stator is essentially an integral part of your motorcycle’s charging system. It is responsible for supplying power to all the electronic components of your Harley, including critical elements like the spark plugs.

alternator vs stator infographic

When a stator functions normally, it ensures smooth operation of the motorcycle, particularly the engine. However, if the stator starts failing, your bike may encounter difficulties while starting, and in severe cases, it might not start at all.

What Happens When A Stator Goes Bad On Harley Davidson Motorcycles?

When a stator goes bad on a Harley, it can lead to a series of problems. These can range from minor inconveniences like hard starts to major issues where the bike becomes completely inoperable.

A failing stator can lead to misfires while riding, which might feel like the bike is losing its power. As the stator’s condition worsens, these misfires can eventually lead to backfires. Backfires occur when the unburnt fuel is ignited in the exhaust pipe, which can potentially damage the exhaust and other components of the bike.

Moreover, a bad stator can result in discrepancies in the motorcycle’s performance at different RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute) and temperatures. For instance, your bike might perform perfectly at lower speeds (low RPMs) but start exhibiting issues like misfires and backfires at higher RPMs.

Related article: Harley Davidson Voltage Regulator Symptoms

What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Stator?

new motorcycle stator that has never been installed

Identifying a bad stator can be quite tricky, primarily because most of its symptoms can also be signs of other problems. Here are the five most common bad stator symptoms Harley owners should look out for:

  1. Difficulty in starting the motorcycle: This is the most straightforward symptom. If you’re having trouble starting your bike or if it Doesn’t start at all, it could be due to a faulty stator.
  2. Misfiring: If your bike’s engine misfires while you’re riding, it could indicate a bad stator. Misfires give a feeling of power loss and in severe cases, can lead to the bike’s engine stopping completely.
  3. Backfiring: As mentioned earlier, backfires are a common symptom of a bad stator. If you’re experiencing frequent backfires, it’s time to check your stator.
  4. Discrepancies at different RPMs: If your bike runs fine at lower speeds but starts showing issues like misfires at higher speeds, it might be due to a bad stator.
  5. Discrepancies at different temperatures: Your bike might perform differently at various temperatures if there’s an issue with the stator. Keep an eye out for any changes in your bike’s performance with temperature variations.


Related: Motorcycle Stator Replacement Cost

Harley Charging System Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting a Harley charging system, including a faulty stator, involves a series of steps. Here’s a quick rundown:

Tool You’ll Need:

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Here's a picture of the multimeter I use to diagnose my own electrical issues.
  1. Check the battery: The first step is to check the battery. Ensure it’s fully charged and is in good condition.
  2. Inspect the wiring: Look for any loose connections or damaged wires in the charging system.
  3. Test the stator: This is crucial in diagnosing a bad stator. You’ll need a multimeter for this. Set it to AC voltage and connect it to the stator’s wires. The reading should be within the range specified in your bike’s manual. If it’s not, your stator might be the issue.
  4. Check the regulator: The regulator ensures that your bike’s electrical components receive the correct voltage. If it’s faulty, it can result in a host of problems, including a bad stator.

Keep reading: Harley Charging System Troubleshooting Guide

How To Identify A Bad Stator (Diagnostic Procedure)

Identifying a bad stator involves a series of diagnostic procedures. Here are the steps:

  1. Visually inspect the stator: Look for any physical damage like burns or melted wires.
  2. Perform a resistance test: Using a multimeter, check the resistance between the stator’s wires. The reading should be within the range specified in your bike’s manual.
  3. Perform an output test: Start your bike and measure the AC voltage across the stator’s wires at various RPMs. If the readings are below the specified range, your stator might be faulty.
  4. Check for a short circuit: This involves checking for continuity between the stator’s wires and the ground. If there’s continuity, your stator is shorted to the ground.

Related article: Harley Davidson Stator Replacement Cost

FAQs

To further help you understand the issue, here are some frequently asked questions about bad stator symptoms:

How do I know if my stator is bad on my Harley?

A: Issues like difficulty in starting the bike, misfires, backfires, and discrepancies in performance at different RPMs and temperatures are common symptoms of a bad stator.

What causes the stator to go bad on a Harley?

A: Factors like dirt, wind, water, vibrations, and high amperage can cause a stator to go bad.

Will a bad stator kill a regulator/battery?

A: Yes, a bad stator can potentially damage the regulator and even the battery.

What is the stator supposed to do on a Harley bike?

A: The stator powers all the electronic components on the bike, including the spark plug.

Will a motorcycle run with a bad stator?

A: Initially, a failing stator can lead to issues like misfires and backfires. However, if left unattended, it can stop working completely, leaving your bike inoperable.

Wrapping Up

A bad stator can cause a host of problems, making your bike inoperable in severe cases. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s time to check your stator. Remember, it’s always better to prevent problems by taking good care of your bike and regularly checking all its components, including the stator.

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