Electrical Power

[FPG52]

Hoping for some suggestions.  I recently bought a '97 Tourer from a guy who put some additions on the Valk.  He has A J@M handlebar (JMCB-2003) CB, Garmin Zumo and electrical outlets for Gerbing's heated jacket.  He said he never had and issue with running these but almost never used the second passenger outlet for an electrical jacket.  I plan on using both electrical outlets for clothing.  I am thinking about installing a high output alternator because of all these accessories.  It is expensive to do so but I will if needed. Just wondering if anyone has experience with power draw and need for high output alternator...any comments are welcome!!
Thanks
FG

[ptgb]

Here's a good primer on excess capacity of motorcycles including the Valk:

Valkyrie's excess is about 300 watts.

http://www.powerlet.com/learningCenter/excessCapacity

Using Gerbing heated clothes as an example, you can go to their website and in the description of each type of clothing lists the wattage of each (link below for example is a heated jacket):

http://gerbing.com/Products/Outerwear/eXtreme%20Element%20Jacket.html

Kinda just have to figure the math out from there. One thing to remember is that I believe the wattage quoted for heated clothing is at their maximum setting... if you use the controller with them, they will pull less wattage, say at a medium setting.

Also, if I read correctly some of the info I found via Google (can't attest to its accuracy)... a J&M CB is going to max at 4 watts, the Zumo does 7.2 watts. Those are both negligible.

But of course... I am no expert... YMMV

[MarkT]

I installed the Compufire 1.3kW alternator, intended for 1500 Gold Wings.  I wrote it up on my web site, you can read what's involved here: http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Compufire/compufire.html

[FPG52]

Wow...an eye opener...if I do the math...adding all including extra's...I am pulling 230-238 watts WITHOUT THE HEATED JACKET...that alone is 77 and not including a second jacket for my passenger...guess I am on the edge right now.  Looks like the Compufire battery/alternator is in my future.

Thanks guys...always get good info on this site...you guys are the best
FG

[Bad On 3]

Hi i have ran 2 heated jackets and the mp3 player thru the audio sys and a gps  for years ---frist the heated  gear if you use a controler it goes on and off dont run all the time --the other stuff is not alot of draw --how many times a year do you use the heated jackets --i only use mine in the early spring and than the fall --i think if the alt is good you wont have a problem --look at the link for the comp u fire alt. it is alot bigger and hard to install on the valk. i needed a new alt. and bought a rebuilt one from a guy in indiana and it puts out 70 amps from a stock alt. i found the rebuilder  on the vrcc --he does a great job and its the same size as stock --

[Gryphon Rider]

See the "Alternator" section about 2/3 of the way down the page (if you haven't already):
http://www.rattlebars.com/valkfaq/

[FPG52]

Again..THANKS,
As I follow the suggestions (Gryphon Rider) and checked the "Alternator" section as well as some other information I may have been mistaken when I thought the output was 280-300 watts...it actually is about 540 watts at cruising speeds...the 280 I thought earlier may be extra watts after essentials (fuel pump etc) are accounted for...if that is the case then I understand how "Bad on 3" ran all the accessories he does with no problem...

[Gryphon Rider]

I thought earlier may be extra watts after essentials (fuel pump etc) are accounted for...

My bike is a 2000 Tourer and came with a "no wattage" gravity assist fuel pump.  I think it was available in other years too.  It might be worth looking into.   

[FPG52]

Thanks for the tip...I will