Alternator voltage check?

I have a 2002 Super Glide on which the battery died. The shop manual isn't very much help on electrical troubleshooting neither are the mechanics at the dealerships here in Cincinnati. My question is can I unplug the plug between the regulator and the alternator and check the alternator side and expect to see 16 to 20 VDC? The book does state that the alternator should put out these readings but doesn't tell you how to check it. Maybe I need to check my Sportster manual it is considerably better. Thanks for any input.
Jefferson

charging checks

Yes you can do the check at the plug your numbers are about right at 2000 rpm but use the AC scale not DC and you can also do the ohms ckeck for open windings as well as the omhs check for a grounded stator, the ohms checks are done with the motor not running. Dutch

Alternator

Yeah the ohm checks are a good idea which I neglected since I had no voltage on the open socket. I do not have a meger at home and was thinking a standard voltmeter would not tell me what I needed to know. Thanks for the input.

also check the groung on the voltage regulator. sometimes people put the chrome cover on and they dont get a good GND and the battery goes dead