Voltmeter / Charging indicator - What are you using and how is it wire

[Scud]

Looks promising. Is the unit backlighted? Looks like a "button" and three indicator lights (what do they do?)

 

BTW, Scud - your voltages are on the marginal side. Look at conditioning your AGM (12.5v is 75%) and make efforts to get your charging voltage  above 13.8, ideally 14.2.

 

More stuff to learn? Ok, I did not expect such a thorough eduction when I got this bike (and joined this forum).

 

The wire is connected directly to the battery. I ran it behind the headlight where I can also plug in the charger or USB adapter; it has a 7.5 fuse. I think the Battery Tender product is only intended to test batteries at rest - in fact, they don't even call it a meter, they call it a "Voltage Indicator." The button just wakes it up for about 10 seconds, then it displays the voltage digitally (not backlit) and lights up Green for charged (>12.0v), Yellow for low (11.6v to 12.0v), and Red for discharged (

 

I just tested it again and payed closer attention to the numbers

• Bike at rest without key: 12.6
• Bike off, but key on: 12.1
• Running at 4,000 RPM: 13.7

FYI - high beams were on for key on and running tests.

 

Also used multi-meter for two tests (would need another set of hands to test while running)

• Key off: 12.62
• Key on: 12.20 (high beams still on)

While they call this product a voltage indicator, it seems to also be a fairly accurate meter.

 

The battery is new as of three months ago when I got the bike (dealer installed). It's a Yuasa with these numbers:

12V 13Ah (10HR)

VRLA

YTX15L-BS (M6215L)

 

I saw something on another thread about battery conditioning, which I have never done before. I also don't know how to increase charging voltage. How is that done? And if you don't mind, could you explain why 14.2 volts charging is important?

[Kiwi_Roy]

It's not important to reach 14.2, your 13.7 is good enough and probably easier on the battery.

 

I can tell you how to increase the charge Voltage but need to know more about your existing wiring.

Headlamp size?

Do you have headlight relays?

OEM regulator?

 

Sent you a PM

Roy

[docc]

Play off Kiwi_Roy's post and go with his expert recommendations.

 

I suggested the 14.2 based on the Hawker Odyssey specifications for the PC545 AGM that needs re-charged from below 90% (12.65v). Specs on your Yuasa may vary.

[Scud]

Thanks Roy and Docc, for your advice.