electrical load question
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electrical load question
how much electrical draw can a factory harley system support before one has to replace it with a heavy duty system. Would a rotor and stator be all that is needed, or would a voltage regulator upgrade be needed also? What about the battery?
Last edited by Knutson Boltz; Nov 21, 2015 at 06:03 PM. Reason: to edit
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What's the year and model of your bike ?
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I'm considering some electrical additions to my bike this winter. Its a 2013 FXDWG. A Chrome bullet headlight, which I already have, a power port adapter in addition to the one I use for the battery tender, and a couple of mirrors with running/signal lights in the mirror back from Milwaukee Twins. The headlight will have a brighter bulb than the stock light, I know the mirrors have a higher amp draw and the aux power port for a USB connection for whatever. I'm not electrically inclined and just wonder how much extra draw above stock the system can handle and where to upgrade if I need to. My bike seems to be fine as is but cant handle much as in say if I turn on the switch and don't hit the starter pretty soon the battery gets pulled down pretty quick. Its got enough amperage as is, but just enough............I'm also going to start indexing the plugs and thinking about a lower resistance plug wires. So if I go with a higher amp battery will that be enough? Can the rest of the stock system keep up with it?
Last edited by Knutson Boltz; Nov 26, 2015 at 06:52 AM.
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My bike is substantially different than modern bikes. 2005 Super Glide. No fuel injection, ecm, etc. My fuse block is very small and simple.
I did some research to know what lighting and charging accessories I can add within its capacity.
Stator output is 38 amps
Peak charging output is 350-450 watts
Common operating load of a stock bike is 195 watts
To make it all fit together you have to remember the electrical formula:
Amps x volts = watts
So now I am making a list of what I will be running and adding together all the draw requirements.
The newer bikes have much more capacity and can handle higher loads.
However, all the toys that come on a new touring bike are using a lot of power.
I did some research to know what lighting and charging accessories I can add within its capacity.
Stator output is 38 amps
Peak charging output is 350-450 watts
Common operating load of a stock bike is 195 watts
To make it all fit together you have to remember the electrical formula:
Amps x volts = watts
So now I am making a list of what I will be running and adding together all the draw requirements.
The newer bikes have much more capacity and can handle higher loads.
However, all the toys that come on a new touring bike are using a lot of power.
Last edited by Jonesee; Nov 26, 2015 at 09:31 AM.
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Maybe a good winter project for me is a basic understanding of electrical principle. I wonder on the bikes with the radio, navigation, heated seats, LED's etc, what kind of system they use if not factory stock.
Last edited by Knutson Boltz; Nov 26, 2015 at 10:30 AM.
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For wiring purposes:
If they have added several items, they should have added a fuse block and wired through it.
All the items you list (or the fuse block) should be wired/switched through the ignition so they are not inadvertently left on with the bike shut off.
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You could also change the headlamp, and all turn signals to LED, and reduce the current draw enough where you would not have to replace a perfectly good stator. You may need to add a load equalizer though. It would be easier mechanically, and less costly.
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