VOLTMETER

[pocobubba]

I'm going to install a voltmeter on my standard , where is the best place to pick the wiring , in the headlight or at the battery ?

[Thunderbolt]

You will get the best or truest reading closer to the battery on a wire dedicated to the meter.  I would put a fuse in line where you attach the wiring wherever you mount the meter just in case the wiring gets shorted to ground.

[pocobubba]

Thanks Thunderbolt , I'll pick it up on the battery .

[Thunderbolt]

After reading my response, maybe I should have mentioned that the fuse needs to be installed as close to the battery as possible.

[Grandpot]

Make sure you put it on a circuit that is off when the key is off.

[vanagon40]

I used the fused hot wire (my addition) that runs directly from my battery to my aftermarket horn.  I added a relay connected to the auxiliary connection under the right side cover so the meter is on/off with the key.

The best reading will come directly (or as close as possible) from the battery, with no voltage drops for lights, radio, etc.

[Chrisj CMA]

+1 on connecting direct to the battery.  Now the battery is not switched off with the key but I made that work for me.

After I got my Volt meter mounted up and ran a fused hot lead to the battery and a ground line.  I put a switch mounted at the left neck cover panel (plastic cover) that was inline for the ground lead.  Now I can turn the Volt meter off by that switch.  What is helpful is, I can turn it on without starting the bike...this shows me how the battery is holding a charge (usually right at or just under 13V)

Then when I start her up the needle climbs to 14V and I know all is well

This was taken engine off Volt meter on


This was taken engine running