Opinions on charging system

[Hoser]

I have 120,000 miles on my original alternator, four year old battery.  Check up is as follows:
Ignition off, been in garage for a week. 12.62 volts on battery reading. 
Engine running at 1000 rpm, driving lights off. 14.2 volts.
Engine running at 2000 rpm, driving lights on. 14.1 volts.

Does anyone think I need to do anything other than carry my spare alternator when I take a trip?  I usually just put it in my saddle bag.  I'm going to Arkansas for a few days in September.  Hoser 
 

[PatrickDoss]

Most would say to go ahead and check (replace) the brushes in the original alternator with that mileage. Whether you do or not, I'd still take the spare on the trip

[Pete]

Perform a load test on the battery.
Other than that not sure there is anything else to do other than ride.
Good luck and have fun.

[Ricky-D]

12.62 v is not a sign of a fully charged battery,

I would say that is the place to watch.

***

[Patrick]

If you have a spare alternator then why not just toss in the bag. Or if you're that concerned why not stick in a set of brushes and bearings in the one you're using/running.

[Hoser]

Ithink I'll carry the new one and change it out if I need to. That seems to be the best way to go. Plus, if I'm with someone who has problems I can fix him up.   I'd have to pull it anyway to replace the brushes.  I will get the old one rebuilt if I have to change it out.  Ain't no big thing to change it out.  Hoser 

[John Schmidt]

If the battery has those readings and is four years old, I'd say it's time to replace it before Murphy's Law goes into effect. Essentially, that old battery will die on you at the most inopportune time....usually middle of the night and middle of nowhere, with no cell phone service. Been there, done that....just once many years ago, causing me to replace my battery about every three years whether it appears to be needed or not.

[Chrisj CMA]

Change the brushes if you havent already.  And, get a new battery...put a full charge on it before using it

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

  Ain't no big thing to change it out.  Hoser 

Not something I'd like to do on the side of the road its a bitch doing it in a well lit garage . I seem to be riding more and more at night maybe its the cool night air maybe I just dig screamin' down the road in the dark    I'm not so sure I could change the alternator on the side of the road 

[Hoser]

  Ain't no big thing to change it out.  Hoser 

Not something I'd like to do on the side of the road its a bitch doing it in a well lit garage . I seem to be riding more and more at night maybe its the cool night air maybe I just dig screamin' down the road in the dark    I'm not so sure I could change the alternator on the side of the road 

I've done it before, not by the side of the road though!  Hoser