Triumphrat

Caffeinated · 09-29-2006

I've got a charging problem. I'm not getting anywhere near the 14 volts I should be getting. Anyone put a multimeter on their battery? I am getting 12.8 at all rpm except right off idle, about 1200-1300, where I get 13.8.
I have a new, good battery. Before I take the bike in for a warranty fix, I'd like to know what others are getting.
Thanks,
Steve

Jimi_X · 09-30-2006

If your battery is new and fully charged the voltage regulator that controls charging will not be charging at max output of approx. 14V+. A fully charged battery is approx. 12.8V. This is what you are reading with a meter across the battery posts. The regulator will only charge when the battery needs it. It will usually modulate on and off as the battery requires charge, like you stated approx 13.8V. If the battery is near dead, the regulator will output at maximum of approx. 14V, maybe close to 15V. As the battery recharges the regulator will return to the modulated mode, off and on as needed. I have a 2001 Bonnie and I noticed a similar effect. When starting my bike in my shed, I noticed the brightness of my headlamp on the wall change almost exactly as you said. Normal brightness at idle then if you add throttle it would get brighter for a moment then back to normal intensity as rpm approached 1500. I have the original battery in my bike. I did open the non opening caps to add distilled water last year when my cranking capacity went down. I found all cells low. Since I added water all is back to normal. Is your battery discharging? When the bike is shut down or when riding? Hope this helps.

[ This message was edited by: Jimi_X on 2006-09-30 16:39 ]

Caffeinated · 10-01-2006

Thanks. I have a new AGM battery. Hopefully it stays charged.
Steve

Mecchanica · 10-01-2006

Check the voltage of the battery (with the ground terminal disconnected) before you go for a ride. Reconnect and go for a ride of at least a couple of hours. Retest your battery immediately afterward. If there is any significant difference, suspect something. New battery is good, but I hold to the adage that a new part is also an untested part. Always be skeptical.

noitisnt · 10-01-2006

try trunning the head light on while testing across battery terminals. this should show the max output of your alternator.