Topic: 1976 cb550k battery not charging

[REBEL550]

I just bought a 1976 cb550k as a winter project for 1100 bucks. The bike runs and drives and only has about 21k on it. I've been riding the bike around and trying to sort out any kinks.
I recently found out (the hard way) that my battery is not being recharged. It is only getting about 12.5 volts at 5000 rpm. I was checking the stator with a volt meter and found that when I touch the positive cable to the stator cover and the ground to the frame, I am getting about .9 ohms . To me, that indicates that the stator is shorting to the cover? It isn't supposed to read anything at all correct?
There could very well be other problems in the charging system and I was hoping someone could help me out with finding a solution to this problem.

Thanks in advance!

[Duanob]

Search is your friend here but here you go:
http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/FAQ.html

[Sprocket75]

Search this forum. There is a very in-depth post from TwoTired that covers just about every aspect of this. I was able to resolve my charging issues by following his steps.

[dchautin]

Having same issue on my 78 750k.  Frustrating

[scottly]

I was checking the stator with a volt meter and found that when I touch the positive cable to the stator cover and the ground to the frame, I am getting about .9 ohms . To me, that indicates that the stator is shorting to the cover? It isn't supposed to read anything at all correct?

The stator cover is grounded; the continuity test is made measuring from the yellow stator wires to ground. There are other, easier tests I would make before suspecting the stator or field.
Assuming you have the stock voltage regulator, you should read about 12V on the white terminal with the key on, motor not running.
BTW, welcome to the forums!