Charging system
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Stage I
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: TX
Charging system
I have an 09 Ultra Classic. I am interested in buying heated gear (2 sets pants and jackets), does anyone know if the stock charging system can support 2 sets of the heated gear? Thank you for the help.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,999
Likes: 916
From: Madisonville, La
I'm not an electrical engineer just going from prior posts and heated gear experience. Depends on the other electrical loads, engine, number of lights (incandescent or LED) other accessories. If you have LEDs for the headlight, spots and no other extra loads you shouldn't have a problem. Most of the heated gear even coat and pants combined draw less than 8 amps. For two up plugged in riding the bike should be able to handle an extra 15-20 amps above idle speed. If you notice the lights dimming at idle it's a clue your system is overloaded. H-D has an upgraded alternator used on the later models that retro fits your year. That upgrade may be needed for consistent worry free riding. You'll also need a battery in good condition with the highest capacity available. If you get caught in an extended idle situation best to unplug. After you've been riding at normal speeds for 5 or 10 minutes the system should have recovered enough to plug in again.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 486
Likes: 155
From: British Columbia
Heated gear and charging system
Last edited by LenBoyLo; Dec 30, 2021 at 10:04 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 52
Likes: 13
From: USA
Ok, I'm new to Harley's but I've been riding 32 years. I know what an alternator is, but with other bikes it's a stator and regulator/rectifier. Those stators can push 50-80 VAC. The weak point would be the overheating, shunt style, reg/rec's. The upgrade is to install a mosfet R/R. The shunt style R/R makes the stator work harder as it "shunts" the unused AC current to ground non-stop. It dumps the extra load in the form of heat. Excessive heat kills electronics. A mosfet R/R is much more efficient and will only use what is needed by the DC system. That should also make it easier for the system to handle heated gear, extra lighting, radios...you name it A quick google search showed both types R/R are available. If I have to go this route to keep the lights from dimming, it will be an upgraded stator along with a mosfet R/R.
Last edited by Stars & Stripes; Dec 31, 2021 at 01:15 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,624
Likes: 4,079
From: Virginia
if your charging system is stock, back then I believe it was a 30 amp output with max output of 54 amp when it would start overheating. Your jacket/ pant combos will pull approx 10 amp apiece so your stock system wont be adequate to run 2 sets at the same time with all the other stuff it has to run. However, I believe cycle electric has a standard 54 amp system (stator/regulator) you can install on a 2009 flhtcu and problem solved.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I smoked my 2010 RoadKings charging system with heated gear. I upgraded to the newer system and haven't had an issue since.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 260
Likes: 79
From: Las Vegas, Pahrump & Death Valley
If you get the heated socks and gloves to go with the rest you will be very very happy in the 30's.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 486
Likes: 155
From: British Columbia
Charging system.
Ok, I'm new to Harley's but I've been riding 32 years. I know what an alternator is, but with other bikes it's a stator and regulator/rectifier. Those stators can push 50-80 VAC. The weak point would be the overheating, shunt style, reg/rec's. The upgrade is to install a mosfet R/R. The shunt style R/R makes the stator work harder as it "shunts" the unused AC current to ground non-stop. It dumps the extra load in the form of heat. Excessive heat kills electronics. A mosfet R/R is much more efficient and will only use what is needed by the DC system. That should also make it easier for the system to handle heated gear, extra lighting, radios...you name it A quick google search showed both types R/R are available. If I have to go this route to keep the lights from dimming, it will be an upgraded stator along with a mosfet R/R.