Endless Electronics and Alternator Output
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 37
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From: St. Petersburg, FL
Endless Electronics and Alternator Output
Researching some new goodies, specifically amp. It seems to me that by the time you install a 500 Watt amp along with the stock current used on the bike, that there are a lot of Alternators getting maxed out. It looks as if the Alternator can do about 650 Watts Peak at 3,000 RPM and the bike in stock configuration requires about 250 Watts. Granted we may not use a full 500 Watts in the amp most of the time. This doesn't leave much room for heating the wife. I just wondered what others were thinking about this. At idle or slow speed, the Alternator puts out less i'm sure. If we draw on that battery too much, we could have a real surprise someday with the right circumstances. I would appreciate feedback on this. Thanks all.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 37
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From: St. Petersburg, FL
That absolutely amazes me that a 35-50 amp Alternator can keep up with that AND all of the stock electronics on the bike. I just have to believe its drawing the rest from the battery to make up for it.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
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From: St. Petersburg, FL
The dealer told me there weren't any higher output ones. They also said that if I bought "official" HD stuff then these issues were taken into account. That made me laugh. Really just seems like you have some make some hard choices. LED lights can lessen the load, but a greater output Alternator would sure seem less expensive.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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some amps run more eficently than other.but pulling heated gear and an amp is asking alot.not sure but remember reading that volume isnt a straight line with current draw,half volume is more like 25% draw.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Tulsa OK
100% efficient you would have 42 amp current draw @ 500 watts out, but you might see more like 50-70% efficiency, and I doubt you would ever see more than 100 watts out for any length of time, that 500 watts is prolly peak, for a millisecond to them to record it and label it and sell it. What size fuse does the amp have on it, that will tell you how much power MAX you will be using EVER.....
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