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xs650 > > Motorcycle Systems > > Electrical > > Charging system question |
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grinder Full Member
Joined: Jul 29, 2009 Posts: 36
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Posted: December 14, 2009, 7:50 am Post subject: Charging system question |
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Do you guys think the stock charging system on a 77 would handle these lights running together or would that be too much for it too handle?
www.flyncycle.com/Domi...utrblk.htm
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despecial Full Member
Joined: Sep 26, 2009 Posts: 232 Location: D20000
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Posted: December 14, 2009, 7:58 am Post subject: Re: Charging system question |
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- well its quite likely to show up any deficiencies in your system
_________________ Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle. |
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pamcopete 650Rider Supporter
Joined: Oct 10, 2008 Posts: 875 Location: South Carolina
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Posted: December 14, 2009, 8:53 am Post subject: Re: Charging system question |
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grinder,
The alternator on a XS650 produces 15 Amps at 5,000 RPM on a good day. The electrical system uses about 10 of those Amps, leaving a "surplus" of 5 Amp to charge the battery at 5,000 RPM. Much less at a lower engine speed.
You would be adding one additional headlight load of 4.5 Amps on low beam and 5 Amps on high beam, which uses up all of the surplus power available at 5,000 RPM and leaving nothing to charge the battery, so that would not be good when riding around town in stop and go traffic.
However, if you were to install a switch to turn off the low beam on one of the headlights, then you would have a "normal" load when riding around town at lower RPM's. You could flip the extra headlight on when riding on the highway at higher RPM's after the battery has had a chance to recharge. You may not have enough current from the alternator to power both on high beam, but normally, you are not on high beam for very long stretches.
Be sure to install new alternator brushes and clean the rotor slip rings as well, because you will need all of the current that the alternator is capable of delivering.
You could also install an LED tail light to relieve some of the load so there would be more current available for the two headlights.
The brake light uses 2.5 Amps when you are stopped at a light. An LED brake light uses just 0.1 Amp. That's a huge savings in power and would mean that the battery would not discharge as much when stopped at a light and as a result, there would be more current available for your second headlight when you are underway.
Other, small "tricks" you could get in the habit of doing:
1. Turn off your turn signal while waiting for the light to change.
2. Set your idle speed up to 1,500 RPM.
3. If you still have a regular tail light instead of an LED, keep off the brake while waiting at the light.
_________________ Ride.Enjoy.Life is simple |
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grinder Full Member
Joined: Jul 29, 2009 Posts: 36
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Posted: December 14, 2009, 7:59 pm Post subject: Re: Charging system question |
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Thanks for all the info. I don't ride at night at all, so I need a headlight to keep the cops happy and to be seen. I wonder if something like this would work in those fixtures?
www.eautoworks.com/pro...331486.htm
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pamcopete 650Rider Supporter
Joined: Oct 10, 2008 Posts: 875 Location: South Carolina
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Posted: December 14, 2009, 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: Charging system question |
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grinder,
I am not familiar with those, but they look perfect for your situation. The only possible downside is that you would now have too much surplus current that could be harmful to the battery especially right after startup when the battery is low.
There might also be a question of legality in meeting the requirement to have a headlight on when riding.
How would it look to have just one of the headlights equipped with this LED?
_________________ Ride.Enjoy.Life is simple |
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grinder Full Member
Joined: Jul 29, 2009 Posts: 36
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Posted: December 14, 2009, 8:47 pm Post subject: Re: Charging system question |
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I don't know how much light that would actually put out. Cars that have DRL's look like normal headlights. They also make a H4 bulb that is 35/35 watts which would help. One of each might be a good idea as you suggest.I could use the led most of the time and still have a decent light if needed. I believe my bike has an adjustable regulator. Does that regulate volts/amps or just volts?
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dpmphoto Full Member
Joined: Apr 18, 2007 Posts: 485 Location: syracuse NY
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Posted: December 24, 2009, 4:34 pm Post subject: Re: Charging system question |
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replacing your tail light/brake and changing your turn signals is a great way to save power also pamco's tips are good to.If your gonna keep this bike and trick it out I would suggest investing in a PMA type charging system.
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pamcopete 650Rider Supporter
Joined: Oct 10, 2008 Posts: 875 Location: South Carolina
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Posted: December 24, 2009, 5:31 pm Post subject: Re: Charging system question |
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grinder,
The regulator is a voltage regulator. There is no current regulation. Unlike a generator, an alternator self regulates the current because it will put out its rated current when the load demands it. After that, the voltage starts to go down.
_________________ Ride.Enjoy.Life is simple |
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