Where is a Stator on a sportster?

Sportsters went to an alternator setup in 1984 (model year); before that they used a DC generator.

In all subsequent Sportsters (and air-cooled Buells), the stator is behind the primary drive. On Sportsters with four-speed transmissions and chain drives (through about 1990 or so), the stator is behind the clutch basket and the magnetic rotor is a part of the clutch assembly. On later Sportsters, the stator is behind the crankshaft sprocket, and the rotor is just behind the sprocket (similar to the arrangement in the big twin). The wire connecting the stator to the regulator exits from the back side of the primary housing, and hooks to the regulator through an in-line connector (this is different from the big twins, which locate the connector at the front of the primary housing).

Replacement is the same in either case: remove the outer primary cover, and then remove the primary chain, crankshaft sprocket and clutch assembly as a unit. Then unplug the stator, remove the screws holding it in position, and pull the wire/plug through. Assembly is the reverse of disassembly.