99 Interstate Quits Running

[Seminoles21`]

I just bought the Green Interstate (28k miles) last Oct and within 2 weeks I was riding and the dash (speed-o and tach) went out. Didn't think anything of it and then bike quit about 1 mile later. I called my bike guy who also drives Valkyries and he said more than likely your alternator. So while waiting about 2 hours for my trailer to pick me up I was able to start the bike up to drive it on the trailer. I don't know how long it would have lasted as I shut it off after loading it up.
So he installed a new alternator after running a test and I put the bike away for the season (Michigan). I installed a new battery in the spring and it happened again after about 250-300 miles. Same thing dash went out and bike quit 1 mile later in my driveway. I can jump start the bike but when I take the jump pack off the bike quits. He has been on vacation this week so he hasn't been able to look at it again, but I thought I would try and see if others have had this problem also as I can't find this subject posted on the board anywhere about this certain issue.
I have never had a breakdown in 32 years riding and now I had 2 in 300 miles and I am supposed to go to Tennessee in 2 weeks from Michigan and I am a little worried about it.
Thanks

[Steel cowboy]

Charge the battery up. Then check using a voltage meter at the battery terminals, it should be above 12 volts. Start the bike and check voltage once again, it should be higher while the bike is running. If you have any dought take the battery and have a load test done on it.
Question was the alternator bought new or a rebuilt unit. Even when installing a new alternator you should test the battery while running the engine for proper charging. Test the charging system every year if you put it away for the winter.

[gordonv]

Hi Seminoles21,

First you should add your location to your profile. Will make it easier for the future posts, if any, and you might even get some local help.

Before you change the battery, you should get a meter and check where the problem is. Don't just throw parts at a problem.

The battery might be dead, but why? You need a meter on the battery, record voltage, s/b high 12v. Then start the bike, rev to 1500 rpm, and measure again, s/b close to 14v.

Stays the same? Then measure voltage at the alternator. If alt is close to 14v, then most likely your 50 amp dog bone fuse blown. Check it on each end of the fuse, high one side, low other, then the fuse is blown. A spare is in the housing.

If alt is not putting out any power, then your alt needs fixing (replace if you want, but brushes are cheap).

Come back with some more info when you have it.

[Seminoles21`]

I changed the battery as the previous owner said it was getting weak and it started hard a few times in the spring even after running it a few times so I knew (thought) I needed new one. So I bought a new one in the spring 2018 as I don't like to wait until something breaks before I replace it. I told my mechanic to put an oem/Honda alternator in the bike as that is what he told me was wrong with the bike when I broke down as I don't want any problems with it again when it went bad in fall of 2017. I am hopefully bringing it to him again this week and I will try these things as I can't believe it is the alternator again.
I changed my profile, I tried to add a picture but it said it was to big. I will take another one with the megapixels toned down.
Thanks for the info. When I get some answers I will come report back with the results.

[ValkyrieMan98]

I still trying to figure your dates, 2018, and fall of 2017, I must have been in hibernation for 18 months

[Seminoles21`]

Whoops, sorry fall of 2016 bought the bike and bought new battery in spring 2017. I guess I was trying to get 1 year closer to retirement.

[Skinhead]

Check BOTH ends of the battery cables for corrosion and tightness. 

I'm not saying this is the problem but also check and clean the starter relay terminals, make sure they are clean, keeping them clean will save you alot of grief. 

[gordonv]

I changed the battery as the previous owner said it was getting weak and it started hard a few times in the spring even after running it a few times so I knew (thought) I needed new one.

snip

I told my mechanic to put an oem/Honda alternator in the bike as that is what he told me was wrong with the bike when I broke down

What can I say. You've replace 2 major components and still have a problem. This is why people come here for advise and do the work themselves.

You need to find the problem before you try to fix items. You need to get a volt meter and check what is happening. $10-20. Mine I have from almost 40 years ago.

[$ Ball]

Could be where your ICM plug connects ,its under your left side cover behind the coolant tank.

Get it out of its holder and see if you can move it around and make the bike stall.

Thats was my problem,loose pin connections.

[Seminoles21`]

He did put a volt meter on it BEFORE changing anything and also did it at a certain RPM's and it read bad alternator. Could it be he didn't snug everything up, maybe. So as far as I know I haven't changed anything yet that didn't need replacing. Battery I don't consider major. I can live with buying a new battery then I know I am good for a few years.

[gordonv]

He did put a volt meter on it BEFORE changing anything and also did it at a certain RPM's and it read bad alternator. Could it be he didn't snug everything up, maybe. So as far as I know I haven't changed anything yet that didn't need replacing. Battery I don't consider major. I can live with buying a new battery then I know I am good for a few years.

If he only measured that battery voltage, not running, running, and higher rpm, and there is no increase, there are 2 regular problems. Alternator and fuse.

Unless you measure the voltage at the alternator, running and higher rpm, and still get no increase in voltage, then there is now only one possibility, the alt.

That is why I suspect something other than what you have already done.