Charging issue or battery?

[tlm]

I went for a ride yesterday, about 200 miles. I noticed about half way that the little volt meter the po installed was down to 2 yellow lights. I turned off the radio and cruise. After a short stop, when I started back up, I had my normal 1 green light. Turned the radio back on ant back to the 2 yellows. We made a few stops and I never had a problem starting. I put a meter on it when I got home and it was showing 13.65 volts charging. The battery was showing 12.5V. After running a few minutes, it was showing 12.2 to 12.? charging. The battery continued to show 12.5V. I am pretty useless when it comes to electrical issues. The battery terminals were clean and tight.

[Drews]

IS IT A KURYAKYN VOLTMETER MINE WENT BAD

Edited April 4, 2016 by Drews

[tlm]

I don't know. It has a bunch of little lights on it. From a 2 red on left to 4 green on the right.

[Drews]

I REPLACED MINE WITH A DIGITAL VOLTMETER FROM AMAZON 7.00 & FREE SHIPPING

[Drews]

HOW OLD IS THE BATTERY

[tlm]

I think it's at least 2 years old. I am going to get it load tested as soon as I can but wasn't sure since the charging voltage drops after it runs for a while.

[Drews]

I REPLACED MY HEADLIGHT WITH A LED & THAT BROUGHT THE VOLTS UP

[bongobobny]

Do a search here to find out the proper way to troubleshoot your charging system. It could be a weak stator, a bad voltage regulator (2nd gens are somewhat prone to this issue) or your battery could be on it's way out. Take your battery to your local Auto Zone, etc. for a free load test...

[tlm]

I checked all connections from the battery to the starter. Everything is clean and tight. Had the battery load tested and it showed to be good. Not sure if I trust that though because it's almost 3 years old. Testing the stator and regulator is beyond my skill set. If it gets any worse, I will put it in the shop. Thanks everyone for the ideas and suggestions.

[Flyinfool]

Checking the charging system is not difficult, even for the electrically challenged.

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?81297-Testing-for-a-Battery-not-Charging

[tlm]

Thanks Flyinfool. I did read that thread. I'm just not comfortable in messing with the electrical. I appreciate the help and advise. Thanks again to all.