Triumphrat

NortonBrian · 04-03-2008

Anybody know how much "excess" capacity a Bonnie's charging system has? I am looking to add some driving lights to my wife's and wonder if it has enough juice, stock, to power two 35- or 55-watt bulbs in addition to the normal drains (ignition, stock lights, horn, etc.).

Thanks very much - Brian

oldroadie · 04-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by NortonBrian

Anybody know how much "excess" capacity a Bonnie's charging system has? I am looking to add some driving lights to my wife's and wonder if it has enough juice, stock, to power two 35- or 55-watt bulbs in addition to the normal drains (ignition, stock lights, horn, etc.).

Thanks very much - Brian

It'll will run those extra lights just fine, there's even a socket in the main wiring harness specifically for that purpose.

tc_dick · 04-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldroadie

It'll will run those extra lights just fine, there's even a socket in the main wiring harness specifically for that purpose.

anybody got a bit more info on this socket? I just picked up a pair of driving lights, and would love to mount them without going straight to the battery.

NortonBrian · 04-03-2008

Thanks Old Roadie. I'll have a look at a wiring diagram; I would actually prefer to run power right from the battery, with a relay for on-off, but perhaps that's what the hookup does (?)

tc_dick · 04-03-2008

also:

http://www.triumphrat.net/twins-tech...bonnevile.html

and:

http://www.triumphrat.net/twins-tech...mps#post893002

DBMike · 04-03-2008

Brian,

I also wondered about the capacity and have calculated it more than once, read most of the threads here, and still wonder. However, I do have some experience to offer. Last year I added two 55 watts aux lights wired to the battery though a switched relay. All the components came with the kit and have worked without trouble for a year. I use the aux lights at night and during bad weather. This winter I added a heated vest (tied into the Triumph plug under the tank) but intuitively decided that would exceed the electrical capacity and chose to not run both the 110 watt lights and 45 watt vest together.

I just installed a watt saver (relay kit) from Buck Sport Touring that will turn off the low beam if the aux lights are on. High beam still works normally with the aux lights on. Both the high and low beam work with the aux lights off.

Looking forward to bright lights and a heated vest next winter.

Good luck

Mike

oldroadie · 04-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldroadie

It'll will run those extra lights just fine, there's even a socket in the main wiring harness specifically for that purpose.

And I should have looked more closely before I posted. My America has a socket dedicated for driving lights, my Bonneville does not. Doesn't change the fact that there's enough output to cover two 55w spotlights with ease, it's just not quite as easy to wire in. And there you have it.