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Mike in AR
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« on: October 31, 2014, 03:10:25 PM » |
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Noticed that my headlight does not get brighter when I rev my engine. It isn't dim, but there is no change in the brightness when I rev the engine. So I went and bought a digital multimeter to check my battery to see if the alternator was working. With the engine off, the reading was 12.5. With the engine running it would fluctuate between 13.8 and 14.4. My question is, even though it looks like my alternator is charging the battery, could it be going out, or is this normal? Is there some way to check the alternator out with it on the bike? Or, might there be another reason for the light staying the same brightness. As you can see by my wording, I am no electrician, but am willing to try and learn.
Thanks in advance Mike in Ar
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 Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. |
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sandy
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« Reply #1 on: October 31, 2014, 04:22:41 PM » |
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Sounds like the alt is fine. Don't worry, be happy.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #2 on: October 31, 2014, 04:34:20 PM » |
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Maybe the bulb is getting old and losing its luminescence.
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Patrick
Member
Posts: 15433
VRCC 4474
Largo Florida
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« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2014, 04:35:26 PM » |
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Like Sandy said, smile and ride. Its fine.
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gordonv
Member
Posts: 5763
VRCC # 31419
Richmond BC
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« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2014, 05:29:21 PM » |
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I would say since the battery is at max power for the lights, any additional power will not be noticeable in the lights, as there is no where higher to go.
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1999 Black with custom paint IS   |
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Michvalk
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« Reply #5 on: October 31, 2014, 06:56:21 PM » |
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These bikes do have a voltage regulator somewhere, don't they? That would keep your lights from dimming and going brighter, unless you are overloading the system. Mine never went brighter when you revved the engine, either  |
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Mike in AR
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« Reply #6 on: October 31, 2014, 11:53:28 PM » |
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Thanks for all the replies. I was planning a ride of a couple hundreds miles and wanted to be sure that I wouldn't be stranded somewhere. Seems like I was worried about nothing.
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Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
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Firefighter
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« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2014, 10:27:23 AM » |
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To answer your question, you just did test your alternator on your bike. Sounds good. And yes, the regulator is built into the alternator, like your car. Firefighter
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2000 Valkyrie Interstate, Black/Red
2006 Honda Sabre 1100
2013 Honda Spirit 750
2002 Honda Rebel 250
1978 Honda 750
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Gryphon Rider
Member
Posts: 5227
2000 Tourer
Calgary, Alberta
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« Reply #8 on: November 01, 2014, 03:47:00 PM » |
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While your 13.8-14.4V indicates a good alternator, 12.5V for a resting battery is a little low. Your battery may be tiring. A good new fully charged battery should give you more like 12.9V at normal temperatures.
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Mike in AR
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« Reply #9 on: November 01, 2014, 06:05:13 PM » |
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Gryphon Rider, I will re-check it again tomorrow. The temp was around 58* when I checked it, and the bike had not been started in 3-4 days. I appreciate the heads up on that 12.9V. If I have to, I'd much rather change a battery than an alternator. lol
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Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
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Gryphon Rider
Member
Posts: 5227
2000 Tourer
Calgary, Alberta
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« Reply #10 on: November 03, 2014, 04:47:21 AM » |
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http://www.batteryfaq.org/Scroll down to the "Temperature Compensated Battery State of Charge (SoC) Table". Looking it up, a fully charged AGM battery should read 12.78V at 60°F.
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