I have a 97' sportsman 425 with an electrical issue. It wont keep a battery. If I charge it, everything is O.K. but over time it wears down to nothing. What actually powers the electric start and/or headlights?? Is it the Battery or the magneto? It seems like my battery isn't getting recharged by the magneto. I could just buy another battery again but what really throws me for a loop is that if my battery is dead and I pull start it, the headlights still dont work at all.???? Anyone got any ideas?? Thanks

 

You have a stator under the pull rope cover and a voltage regulator out if front of the bike by the bumper.

First get a volt meter and check the battery voltage with the key off. It should be about 12 volts. Then start the machine and get a reading. It should about 14 volts or more with it running about 3,000 RPM.

If you don't have more voltage on the battery with the engine running than with it off you either have a stator or voltage regulator problem.

Get you a good service manaul. It will clearly show you how to check these parts with your meter and it is fairly simple to do. No need to pay a dealer.

 

i would be leaning towards the rectifier. maybe its gone or unhooked. w/ out this it will not charge the battery. if you can pull start the bike and it runs then it probably isnt the stator. the rect. is what controlls how much charge goes into the battery. mine unhooked once and acted the same way.

 

Hey Guys, Thanks for the input. I will get out the volt meter tonight and see what I come up with. I am hoping for the unplugged rectifier. I appreciate the feedback.