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Just to close this out... I eventually got the bike to a shop where they had a much higher grade multimeter. All the readings were right where they should be using that DMM, and the bike has been running fine for about a week now, so I think I'm all good. I guess it was just something going...

Ok, thanks, I'll try that too. Shouldn't I be able to get normal readings at engine idle though? I thought I may need to rev to get up to the full ~14.7V for charging, but I should be seeing something between 12.8-14.7V at idle, no?

I have probes, not clips. I measured first by holding against the battery terminals. But then I was also able to measure at the rectifier connection, by shoving the probes up the back of the connector in the proper holes. That freed my hands to rev the engine.

Ok, damn, you're totally right. My multimeter's diode test output is in mV not volts, so I was actually seeing a ~.6V drop, which is the correct reading. So back to square one... To answer your previous questions, yes, I believe I am getting good contact on the terminals - it's a new battery...

Dave, you may have nailed it. I went back and checked the rectifier and now I'm getting overload resistance measurements on all 6 diodes in both directions. The multimeter I'm using also has a diode test, which is showing OL on all in one direction and 600V+ voltage drop across each diode in the...

By the way, I checked I get the same behavior with both regulators, so maybe it's not the regulator? Or both have gone bad in the same way?

Ok, I picked up a brand new voltmeter, and I am getting readings now, although they are still confusing. The voltmeter is digital and has 3 ranges that I'm using: 20V, 200V, and 500V. With the engine off the battery reads ~13V on all three ranges. With the engine on, the battery reads different...

Got it, thanks, makes sense. I'll try to pick up a new voltmeter today and report back. Thanks for the quick answers!

I guess I side question would be, how concerned should I be about running the bike if the regulator is actually bad? How quickly will badly regulated / unregulated voltage damage my battery?

- Yeah, the battery was at 12.8-13V, but then I started and stopped the engine a bunch of times trying to figure this out, so I think that's when it dropped to the low 12s. - I don't think the voltmeter is broken because it's reading fine when the engine is off, but I will try another one. I...

I have what I thought was a regulator issue with my 1980 xs400G, but I just replaced the regulator and I'm getting the same behavior, so I'm wondering if it could be something else. Here's the story: - I've got a topped off battery that reads 12.5V across the terminals - When I put the key in...

Awesome, just what I needed. Thanks!

I recently bought a 1980 xs400 bobber and the regulator is shot. I've got the replacement ready to go, and the wiring looks easy - just unplug the bad one and plug this one in. What I would love a little advice on is how to attach the new regulator to the bike? It's the newer, electric one - on...

Hey everyone - thanks for the responses. I ended up ordering the parts I need on ebay. The stator and starter are from a 400sg, and claim to be tested and guaranteed. Fingers crossed they fit and work. I may be back here with more questions when I try to install. The starter I know how to do...

Hi all. New to the forum here. I recently bought a 1980 xs400g and the stator and the starter motor are both shot. Also, when I took off the stator cover (the inner larger one, not little outer circular one), the gasket broke and now it's leaking oil. Can anyone help me identify which parts...