Voltage at the battery

[helmetvonthrob]

What should my voltmeter read direct across the battery with the engine running alone and then with full beam?


I know most cars run ~14v with the engine running and not less than 13v with full load, should a Fazer be about the same?

[Fazafou]

Yeah 14v is about right for the bike at 'normal' revs.

At tickover it won't quite be there though and the more load you put on will drop it slightly each time eg full beam, heated grips, accessories etc.

I have a little voltmeter fitted (few quid from China) and so its easy to check the state of the battery before firing her up and then the generator once on the move

[helmetvonthrob]

I have a little voltmeter fitted (few quid from China) and so its easy to check the state of the battery before firing her up and then the generator once on the move

Have you got any details on this?

[Fazafou]

Was a while ago, but search eBay for car voltmeter and loads will come up, you can even get an accessory plate with a USB socket one half and voltage display the other (think Amazon do that too).

Find a small one that will suit the bike and where you want it, and wire it into a switched live somewhere (mine is off the side light).

Depending on where you take the live from the voltage could be out slightly to the actual battery terminals, but it will be near enough to show when you have an issue

[JoeRock]

Was a while ago, but search eBay for car voltmeter and loads will come up, you can even get an accessory plate with a USB socket one half and voltage display the other (think Amazon do that too).

Find a small one that will suit the bike and where you want it, and wire it into a switched live somewhere (mine is off the side light).

Depending on where you take the live from the voltage could be out slightly to the actual battery terminals, but it will be near enough to show when you have an issue

Or do it properly, with the live taken from the battery terminals, but with a switched relay attached to a switched live?

[Fazafou]

True, and is technically better, but a bit overkill for a simple cheap voltmeter.

Mine off the sidelights is about 0.3 volts difference to the actual battery, which is fine to indicate issues and I know the offset either way. I can live with that error and save the hassle of wiring in a relay.

Ideal if you have a live off a relay already plumbed in though.