voltage

[bikerboy1000]

Happy new year to one and all

I have charged my battery overnight in the house on an optimate and the voltage was 13.1 volts on maintain
I have just put battery in bike and when I run the engine and connect my multimeter it shows the battery at 12.4 volts. and I think it should be about 14.3 when engine is running,
can anyone advise as to what the problem could be, many thanks

[Motorbreath]

Are you revving the engine while measuring? I do not think that the alternator works at 14V at idle.

[limax2]

:agree  At about 2000 to 2500 revs it should be showing 14 to 14.5 volts with no lights on. With headlight on you might need to go to 2500 or 3000 revs. If still only showing 12.4 volts then it is obviously not charging and I would start by checking the electrical connections.
Good luck.

[bikerboy1000]

thanks for replys,
after checking, I realize that if you rev the engine while it is running it should increase to about 14.5 volts and that is happening so I now think my batter is charging on the bike and I don't have a problem after all, thanks again

[His Dudeness]

would be no harm to disconnect the battery overnight and see if it holds a charge