03 Electrical Question

[Stuart_O]

I've read that in some markets (UK) the Sprint has only 1 headlight functioning on dipped beam. And this is easily corrected by adding a single relay (into an existing socket). Studying my wiring diagrams it would appear to be the second relay, the "Dip Beam Relay, which turns on the second headlamp.

I have a voltmeter (Datel) installed on my ST dash and I can watch the voltage level during various situations. When I have my Gerbing jacket plugged in and on at 50% or more, AND my driving lights on, mainly for conspicuity, the voltage is below 12.0 except at high RPM's. At idle it can dip to 11.5. NFG! So I turn off my driving lights. I think I would be more noticeable on the road with my driving lights ON and one headlamp OFF.

If I install a switch to operate this relay I could keep my voltage at a safe level, even with my Gerbing on. Comments?

[Stuart_O]

A more extreme solution to the low alternator output is by a more extreme Iron Butt Guy "Warchild". Read carefully.

http://www.superblackbird.com/cbox.cfm

[GRN]

Hey man, already replied to you on the other forum, but I'll do so here to for any benefit to others.

I think you have the right idea, and if you don't already have your aux lights slaved to your low beams, I would do that as well so the cut out and you get bal., draw when using HB's. 420w of output leaves some to be desired...

[2ndSpace]

I have never had a problem. I ran a 4 day trip running heated liner, socks, gloves, grips, motolights, GPS, XM, and who knows what else. I replaced the orginal battery last year just because. Now that battery is in my mower.

[2ndSpace]

PS *** is a "dipped beam"?

































































































:razz: :-D

[DaveM]

2ndSpace,
if you are not taking the pi$$ it is when you have approaching vehicles the headlights are "dipped" as opposed to high beam when they are "up"

You probably were taking the pi$$ so ignore this.

I don't understand electricity at all, I'm a carpenter!

This was the only post on this thread I actually understood! :-D :-D :-D

DaveM

[2ndSpace]

On 2007-01-02 16:21, DaveM wrote:
2ndSpace,
if you are not taking the pi$$ it is when you have approaching vehicles the headlights are "dipped" as opposed to high beam when they are "up"

You probably were taking the pi$$ so ignore this.

I don't understand electricity at all, I'm a carpenter!

This was the only post on this thread I actually understood! :-D :-D :-D

DaveM

Just not something you hear or read here. We sipmletons call thems the LOOOWWWW beam.

I dig holes for a living so I am with you.

Fack I don't care what the voltage is as long as it runs, starts and I am warm.

[cm08]

Stuart,

this is not very scientific...........
In France the 99 sprint also came with 1 light running hi beam and the other light LOOwww beam. I added jumpers to allow both lights to run both beams but have since added a switch to allow me to turn off the second light low beam on demand.

As I use an accugard automatic battery charger, I have noticed that when using both lights it will stay on longer than when I run only one light, where it does not need to charge at all. As I said not very scientific, but it is repetitive.

So now I have added a switch to allow me to turn off the second light and return to original configuration at night, using only one light in daylight.

CM

[Stuart_O]

CM - this is essentially what I intend to do.

Thanks all - I am an engineer, mostly working on electrical controls for all kinds of industrial machines, so I am quite anal about the bike and its electrical "well being". Also, I once tried to bump start it - forget it!

So now that I have this voltmeter I am watching it all the time. Clearly, running both headlamps plus a pair of driving lights, AND my Gerbing, even on a low setting, draws too much current and I don't believe the alternator can keep up with the draw. So I intend to add a switch to drop one of the headlights when I use the Gerbing. On a dark section of road I can always just flip it back on.

Stuart

[Treb]

I was wondering about electrics too. Santa brought me heated Gerbing goodies (jacket liner and gloves) plus I'm looking for a helmet or handlebar mounted video camera. I was wondering how much I could run at a time, would I have to beef up my electrical system and if so how. Any suggestions? :???: