Power Output

[downtick]

I'm looking to add some extra driving lights to my bike. I was looking at the PIAA 004xt or PIA 1100. They make 2 sets, one that is 55 watts and one that is 35 watts.

Would the 55 watt be too much drain on my 04 FJR?

 

[Ignacio]

I'm looking to add some extra driving lights to my bike. I was looking at the PIAA 004xt or PIA 1100. They make 2 sets, one that is 55 watts and one that is 35 watts.
Would the 55 watt be too much drain on my 04 FJR?

A pair of 55 watt bulbs are 110 watts and will eat up most of, but not go over the likely reserve of the alternator. Popular reserve estimates are 120 to 130 watts. See refrence

here.

I would suggest adding a Datel voltmeter to monitor voltage drop. I believe you'll see it go from a steady state of 14.2 or 14.3 volts to about 13.8 or 13.7 with the PIAAs on...the same as a set of 55 watt Hella FF50s I used for about a year. I figured it was making the alternator break a sweat, but not running it to death.

 

[Bounce]

I have been running PIA 910's with the bulbs stepped down to 55 watts. This has worked for the past 3 years. The trick is that you have to husband your charging system and monitor it closely. A volt meter (I also use the Datel) is a must.

 

[ian]

If you have a Passport RD it can be set to display volts. Ian, Iowa

 

[ionbeam]

If you have a Passport RD it can be set to display volts

I have a picture of the Passport showing the volts display over on the FJR Owners Assassination site.

Alan

 

[BrunDog]

The Passport reading is very cool.

But keep in mind one thing: if it is on a circuit that collectively draws any moderate amount of current, there will be a voltage drop in the wiring up to the branchm and you will be reading the circuit branch voltage, not the true battery voltage. The only way to verify the exact batt voltage is to read across the battery terminals.

It is still a good relative point of reference, though.

Also, Alan makes a good point about the voltage drop across the ground cable - terminals are common sources of corrosion. Check it with a VOM as part of regular service intervals.

-BD