'07 Norge charging problems

[kirnma]

I have 2007 Norge with 19K miles on it.  The other day I noticed that the bike did not appear to be charging, but it also didn't appear to be discharging.  The onboard voltmeter is a steady 12.2-12.4 regardless of RPM and doesn't change much regardless of how long I ride.  I tested the bike with a shop voltmeter and also found no change in voltage as RPMs rise. 

Looking for some advice on where to start my troubleshooting first.  I did check the fuse (it's fine), but haven't dug deeper.  Should I look at the alternator, stator, regulator or something else first?  Any guidance would be helpful.  Thanks. 

[guzzisteve]

See if it increases w/load. Turn on H & L beams w/flash & brake lite & 4W flashers all at same time. Should jump up to at least 13.2
Stuff on dash reads low always.

How old is battery? Have you looked at your alt belt?

[kirnma]

Sure, I can do that.  I'll report back here with the results after I try it.  What is it going to tell me if it doesn't jump?

Battery is brand new. 

Haven't checked the belt, but based on other feedback I've seen the bike would fail pretty quickly if the belt broke.  However, it's on my to-do list.

Thanks.

[atavar]

To my ear if it stays at 12.2-12.4 no matter how long you ride it has to be charging.  My '08 Norge stays pretty solid from 12.2 0 12.9 and also is affected naught by rpm, but the voltage will slowly climb during a ride. 

Battery terminal tightness is kind of a recurring theme with these, though I don't know why.

[twowings]

Brand-new does not equal good....have the battery checked

[atavar]

Brand-new does not equal good....have the battery checked

Yep, remember that NEW is an acronym for N(ever) E(ver) W(orked) (before).

[ITSec]

Sure, I can do that.  I'll report back here with the results after I try it.  What is it going to tell me if it doesn't jump?

Battery is brand new. 

Haven't checked the belt, but based on other feedback I've seen the bike would fail pretty quickly if the belt broke.  However, it's on my to-do list.

Thanks.

As others have noted, the routine is check connections (especially ground), check output under load, and so on.

If your bike has never had its belt changed, it's time (and long past). Even though the miles may not say so, how hard does rubber get after almost ten years? Would you ride a tire that old even if the tread looked deep enough?

[Kiwi_Roy]

From the schematic it appears that the dash gets a reading from downstream of the ignition switch, I'd be surprised if that's accurate.

How does the dash reading compare to your shop meter directly on the battery terminals?

Take a reading between the battery Positive and the first pair of fuses A, B

With the key Off =      V?  (should be 12.??)
With the key On =      V?

See if the second reading changes after operating the switch several times