1998 flht electrical charging system
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NC USA
Be careful and look closely at the specs (current draw) on the particular bulbs you're looking at as the replacement. Many actually use much more wattage than the original incandescent bulbs. But, they are a LOT brighter too.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
I don`t think it will put less "strain" on the charging system, but the wires going to the headlight will be carrying less amperage...
The alternator puts out max power all the time, no matter what the electrical draw is.
The voltage regulator keeps the voltage at approximately 13.5 volts by converting the excess to heat.
The alternator puts out max power all the time, no matter what the electrical draw is.
The voltage regulator keeps the voltage at approximately 13.5 volts by converting the excess to heat.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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Likes: 2,134
From: W. Texas
I guess if you were adding stuff that used alot of amperage to the bike LEDS might help some. (heated gear , stereo amp, ton of lights)
The stator puts out what it puts out. The voltage reg controls what the components on the bike get.
LEDS do help to lesson the load on wiring , switches, and connectors going to components.
In years gone by it was common to use leds on bikes with a smaller stator system (26-30 amp I think) when running alot of lights or heated gear.
Consensus was it helped them
WP
The stator puts out what it puts out. The voltage reg controls what the components on the bike get.
LEDS do help to lesson the load on wiring , switches, and connectors going to components.
In years gone by it was common to use leds on bikes with a smaller stator system (26-30 amp I think) when running alot of lights or heated gear.
Consensus was it helped them
WP
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 800
From: Colorado
Shunt type regulator, so what voltage is not used, is just shunted to ground to cause increased heat instead.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From:
In this case the bike is a 1998 FLHT and made it this long without a need to change lights.
The factory charging system for that year can easily handle the demands of the original lights.
What is the present concern? for example are you trying to get more light? or did you need to add numerous heating gear items for 2 people?
Do you feel there is a strain on charging system?
What charging system does your bike currently have?
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