Brightness changing
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 186
Likes: 44
From: Canada
Brightness changing
When night riding I notice my lights changing brightness. Not long ago, my battery light came on, once very briefly, then a few days later, for about a minute. Checked battery voltage not running and running; 12 volts and change and 13 volts and change. My Indy says swap out my Drag Specialties battery for HD and he also thought when running the voltage was low. Last night my dash lights were intermittently going out. I don't think swapping out what tests as a fine battery is the answer. Thoughts? My post is maybe too early as I have yet to go through connections. Just hoping someone has had the same experience. Checked battery for loose terminals and they were fine. Terminals had no corrosion but were not pristine. Will be doing that today but I can't see that being the trouble. Starts like a champ. When I lost the dash lights the bike kept running without issue. Thanks for all replies.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 186
Likes: 44
From: Canada
I forget but at least three years. Now that I have written that it makes consider replacing, however it has been on a tender through the winter and any lengthy no use time. What are the thoughts on after market batteries vs HD? I have been satisfied with this drag specialties and another I had purchased for my previous bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
At least 80% of the questions relating to charging system issues have a common factor of old or aftermarket batteries...a point to consider when deciding on a new battery. The MoCo battery may not be the only one for your ride, but it will always be the best choice in my experience.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 186
Likes: 44
From: Canada
Well bit the bullet and paid the near $200 for the HD battery and still have the changing brightness issue. Have not lost my dash lights since cleaning up terminals. Battery salesman spoke of a voltage regulator. Looking on YouTube for r and r procedure.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 186
Likes: 44
From: Canada
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Beyond Fucital
Trace the battery leads and check all the connections as well as the cables themselves.
The copper strands rot under the insulation, especially if you live near the coast or wash the bike often.
The copper strands rot under the insulation, especially if you live near the coast or wash the bike often.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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how much load are you running on the system???
the system will run off the pmg and the battery will provide short fall. you must allow 20% of charge capacity to assure battery charge. if the regulator is iffy, you will see the lighting go down when the battery is supplying the short fall. of importance is the connections at the regulator especially the ground, some add a ground jumper.
when mine started acting up, it eventually wound up being the pmg winding to regulator pigtail connection, was a bear to find at first since it was sporatic.
Attachment 617778
the system will run off the pmg and the battery will provide short fall. you must allow 20% of charge capacity to assure battery charge. if the regulator is iffy, you will see the lighting go down when the battery is supplying the short fall. of importance is the connections at the regulator especially the ground, some add a ground jumper.
when mine started acting up, it eventually wound up being the pmg winding to regulator pigtail connection, was a bear to find at first since it was sporatic.
Attachment 617778
Last edited by bustert; Jul 29, 2019 at 09:34 PM.