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Author Topic: Voltage question  (Read 1818 times)
Romeo
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J.A.B.O.A.

Romeo, Michigan


« on: July 06, 2012, 08:52:53 AM »

Just added an I/S trunk to my tourer. Everything seems fine except I am noticing the voltage level, as measured by my Kuryakyn led meter is lower. I see the green indicator blinking sometimes, and going out when I apply the brakes. it doesn't seem like to much of a problem but I wonder if it is. Just an indication of my battery not holding a charge like it should or do the extra lights from the trunk just pull pull enough current that my alternator can't quite keep up? Any thoughts?
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shortleg
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Posts: 1816


maryland


« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2012, 08:59:15 AM »

  Yes your battery can play into this.
You have only added 4 new lights, and then 2 more
when you hit the brakes. That makes 6. If
it bothers you , you can replace them with leds.
 They draw alot less.
         Shortleg[Dave]
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Gryphon Rider
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Posts: 5227


2000 Tourer

Calgary, Alberta


« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2012, 10:38:14 AM »

I have an 1157 tail light on each of my saddlebags, and my Kury LED gauge will show yellow at idle with the brakes on, and my battery is fine.  The gauge will go between 1 and 2 green lights when riding.  I haven't paid attention to it while using the brakes while moving.
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Romeo
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J.A.B.O.A.

Romeo, Michigan


« Reply #3 on: July 07, 2012, 03:57:17 AM »

Even before I added the trunk, I never see more than one green light while riding. I am already runninf an LED headlight, so I figure that takes considerably less current than the OEM headlight.
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hubcapsc
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upstate

South Carolina


« Reply #4 on: July 07, 2012, 04:44:45 AM »

I am already runninf an LED headlight...

Which one? Is it awesome like I imagined?

-Mike
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MarkT
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VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"

Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km


WWW
« Reply #5 on: July 07, 2012, 06:21:22 AM »

I first installed one of those LED volt meters.  Didn't like it, wanted to see actual volts so replaced it with a digital one.  Actually it's a meter with both LED's and digital, but I ignore the LED's.Got it at Autozone - it's made to plug into a cig lighter socket, but I ran a wire instead.  It always reads 13.7 volts or higher while the bike is running.  Of course I have a Compufire 1.3kW alternator, which is 90amp, 60 amp even at idle.

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sandy
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Mesa, AZ.


« Reply #6 on: July 07, 2012, 07:47:27 AM »

I wouldn't worry too much yet. Get a Volt meter and measure volts at idle and at higher ((2500 ) RPMs. If you see 14 v at cruise RPMs, don't worry. The age and condition of your battery could be an issue. Brakes are applied at idle speed which is why you're seeing lower volts.
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Romeo
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J.A.B.O.A.

Romeo, Michigan


« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2012, 08:21:46 PM »

The LED headlight I am running is a prototype that was given to me by a sales rep. I believe he said Trucklite would be marketing them. I think he said somewhere north of $400. And yes, it is awesome.
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X Ring
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VRCC #27389, VRCCDS #204

The Landmass Between Mobile And New Orleans


« Reply #8 on: July 11, 2012, 08:40:54 PM »

The LED headlight I am running is a prototype that was given to me by a sales rep. I believe he said Trucklite would be marketing them. I think he said somewhere north of $400. And yes, it is awesome.


Trucklite is selling them.  Custom Dynamics them for $285.

http://www.customdynamics.com/high_intensity_led_headlamp.htm

Can you post some pics including how it lights up the road at night?  I'm thinking about getting one for my Tourer.

Marty
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captsharky
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Been riding Honda since 1972.

Sunrise, Florida


« Reply #9 on: December 08, 2012, 10:27:04 AM »

Any one getting these installed? I went today to get but it would not mount up in the hearlight shell?
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2001 Valk black Interstate,
1998 T Cobra light bar, Corbin seats  Tank bib, baker air wings, lockable hard bags, luggage rack and trunk. Woody's faring, cruise throttle lock.
Chrisj CMA
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Crestview (Panhandle) Florida


« Reply #10 on: December 08, 2012, 02:22:37 PM »

If your little volt meter thinggy isint hooked directly to the battery....do that first then see what you got.  Adding those lights should not affect a good battery and charging system.
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PhredValk
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Posts: 1531


Edmonton, Alberta, Canada


« Reply #11 on: December 08, 2012, 02:38:58 PM »

I believe the Standard/Tourers have the same alternator and battery as the IS, and it runs the trunk lights as well as a second headlight.
Fred.
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VRCCDS0237
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Harlingen, Texas


« Reply #12 on: December 08, 2012, 05:34:13 PM »

I added two 50 watt driving lights to my interstate and my volt meter barley indicated 12 volts, was looking at new alternators. Then after checking everything I found my battery voltage higher than my volt meter. Finally added a new ground wire between the negative battery ground and the bike frame, wow, on the road 14.2 volts, idle with every thing on including brakes 13. something. Checked the ground to the engine frame and it was OK, must be another ground I did not find. The brake lights do make a difference at idle. By the way my engine idles at approx. 900 to a 1000 rpm.
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2000 Valkyrie Interstate, Black/Red
2006 Honda Sabre 1100
2013 Honda Spirit 750
2002 Honda Rebel 250
1978 Honda 750
Hoser
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child of the sixties VRCC 17899

Auburn, Kansas


« Reply #13 on: December 08, 2012, 06:20:10 PM »

If your little volt meter thinggy isint hooked directly to the battery....do that first then see what you got.  Adding those lights should not affect a good battery and charging system.
+1, chris, I had one green that flickered at idle, removed from where it was hooked up and wired it to the battery, got 2 steady greens at idle after that. Hoser
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3W-lonerider
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Shippensburg Pa


« Reply #14 on: December 08, 2012, 06:43:39 PM »

i have a volt gauge on my i/s....running down the road i'm charging at 14.1
 when i hit the brake my voltage drops to 13.9.
 when i come to a complete stop and sitting at idle my voltage is at 13.6.
 so yes your voltage is going to drop with the lights of that trunk..as far as installing LED bulbs in that trunk..forget it..i tried it and they wer'nt even half as bright as the stock bulbs.
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