Motorcycle Repair: 1983 nighthawk charging system, regulator rectifier, fault finding guide

Question
i am purchasing a 1983 nighthawk 550 and it is not charging need to know what are possible causes

Answer
Danny,  use this link for troubleshooting:

http://www.electrosport.com/technical-resources/diagnosis-center/fault-finding-g


I worked on one of these bikes a few years back and found that the field coil inside the stator is a big problem for this whole series of 550-650-700 engines. When it fails it may or may not take out the regulator rectifier, too.  Check all of your electrical fittings for clean and tight connections.

Bill Silver