How do I set a volt meter

[..]

So I can identify a hot wire on a motorcyle?

[Gryphon Rider]

1. Set your volt meter to DC voltage at whatever range is greater than 12V (e.g. 0-20V, 0-50V, or 0-100V).
2. Firmly connect your negative lead (usually black) to either the negative terminal on your battery, or a good frame ground.
3. Start touching wires or terminals with the positive lead (usually red) until you find what you're after (meter reads 12V with the engine off or 13-14V with the engine running.

What are you adding to your bike?  One or two of us might have ideas about the best place to take power from.

[jer0177]

You want to use a setting that will provide >= 12VDC. 

Easier yet - pick up a test light - it's got a probe on one end and a clamp on the other, lights up when you hit a hot wire.

[..]

You want to use a setting that will provide >= 12VDC. 

Easier yet - pick up a test light - it's got a probe on one end and a clamp on the other, lights up when you hit a hot wire.

I have one of those tucked away somewhere. Thanks.

[..]

1. Set your volt meter to DC voltage at whatever range is greater than 12V (e.g. 0-20V, 0-50V, or 0-100V).
2. Firmly connect your negative lead (usually black) to either the negative terminal on your battery, or a good frame ground.
3. Start touching wires or terminals with the positive lead (usually red) until you find what you're after (meter reads 12V with the engine off or 13-14V with the engine running.

What are you adding to your bike?  One or two of us might have ideas about the best place to take power from.

Thanks

[Thunderbolt]

What Gryphon said.  Good description.  Make sure the black wire is in common and the red one in volt/ohm, not amps.  Some types of meters have several places to plug in the wires.

[..]

What Gryphon said.  Good description.  Make sure the black wire is in common and the red one in volt/ohm, not amps.  Some types of meters have several places to plug in the wires.

That's like the one I have.

Electrcity is the work of the devil 

[RP#62]

Make sure your meter is set on DC Volts.  If you set it on DC Amps, you'll need extra fuses for your meter.
-RP