How to Check Stator Connections

The stator is one of the two parts of the motorcycle alternator. The other is the rotor. The stator is a non-moving ring that is wound with coils. The stator provides an electromagnetic field that spins the rotor, which in turn provides electricity needed to provide electrical power to the engine. There are five wire terminals, or connections, on a motorcycle stator. These connections can be tested with the use of a digital multimeter.

Things You'll Need

  • Digital multimeter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the side cover on the left hand side of the engine. Depending on the make and model of the motorcycle, you will need a wrench to loosen the retaining bolts. On some bikes, the cover can be pulled free from rubber grommets that hold it in place.

    • 2

      Squeeze the sides of the alternator's plastic wiring harness and pull it free.

    • 3

      Turn the multimeter on and set the dial to the mode for testing continuity.

    • 4

      Touch one end of the multimeter to a ground, like the frame. Touch the other multimeter lead to each of the five wire terminals. If any of the five connections show continuity, it means the stator is bad and needs to be replaced.