too much light maybe?
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: earth
too much light maybe?
I installed the E-code Hella with 80/100 bulb a couple days ago. While cruising through town today my eng and batt warning lights came on, volt meter was low so I switched off the aux lights. Volt went back up and the warning lights went off. When I got out of town and got the RPMs back up, I switched the aux lights back on and no issues. I checked things out when I got home and aparently I have the 55 watt sealed aux lights, so I guess at low RPM all three lights are overwhelming the system. Maybe I'll try one of the lower wattage Osram bulbs. What's the max safe total wattage of all three bulbs at one time, on the OEM harness?
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Yokohama
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...treetGlide.htm
According to the above site, your SG has a 650-watt charging system, just like my 2009 RK. I can run two sets of heated jackets and gloves, a heated seat and heated grips and my auxiliary lights all at once no prob. So there's no way your headlight bulb could overtax your charging system unless the charging system's not working correctly. Have your charging system checked.
According to the above site, your SG has a 650-watt charging system, just like my 2009 RK. I can run two sets of heated jackets and gloves, a heated seat and heated grips and my auxiliary lights all at once no prob. So there's no way your headlight bulb could overtax your charging system unless the charging system's not working correctly. Have your charging system checked.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
a 100 watt light at 12 volts draws 8.3 amps--- add a bit for resistance in the wiring.
with your 2 X 55 and 60 lights on at the same time, you are using about 15 amps- no big deal IF your motor is turning highway revs- if you are at low rpms, the charging system is not producing enough current to keep up with the draw.
so when in town, don't use the big lights, as you will be sucking the battery faster than the bike can fill it
I ran 2 X 55 and 110 W ( with a Hella) on my Evo bagger for years- with a lesser rating charging system.
However, none of that ran through the factory harness as those bike would burn up the ignition switch if you added much draw on the stack harness.
and i wouldn't put that much current on my 09- they didn't design for it- and the cost of failure are high- the optics they use now are pretty darn good--- been spotting them Javalinas a little sooner on this bike.
mike
with your 2 X 55 and 60 lights on at the same time, you are using about 15 amps- no big deal IF your motor is turning highway revs- if you are at low rpms, the charging system is not producing enough current to keep up with the draw.
so when in town, don't use the big lights, as you will be sucking the battery faster than the bike can fill it
I ran 2 X 55 and 110 W ( with a Hella) on my Evo bagger for years- with a lesser rating charging system.
However, none of that ran through the factory harness as those bike would burn up the ignition switch if you added much draw on the stack harness.
and i wouldn't put that much current on my 09- they didn't design for it- and the cost of failure are high- the optics they use now are pretty darn good--- been spotting them Javalinas a little sooner on this bike.
mike
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: earth
a 100 watt light at 12 volts draws 8.3 amps--- add a bit for resistance in the wiring.
with your 2 X 55 and 60 lights on at the same time, you are using about 15 amps- no big deal IF your motor is turning highway revs- if you are at low rpms, the charging system is not producing enough current to keep up with the draw.
so when in town, don't use the big lights, as you will be sucking the battery faster than the bike can fill it
I ran 2 X 55 and 110 W ( with a Hella) on my Evo bagger for years- with a lesser rating charging system.
However, none of that ran through the factory harness as those bike would burn up the ignition switch if you added much draw on the stack harness.
and i wouldn't put that much current on my 09- they didn't design for it- and the cost of failure are high- the optics they use now are pretty darn good--- been spotting them Javalinas a little sooner on this bike.
mike
with your 2 X 55 and 60 lights on at the same time, you are using about 15 amps- no big deal IF your motor is turning highway revs- if you are at low rpms, the charging system is not producing enough current to keep up with the draw.
so when in town, don't use the big lights, as you will be sucking the battery faster than the bike can fill it
I ran 2 X 55 and 110 W ( with a Hella) on my Evo bagger for years- with a lesser rating charging system.
However, none of that ran through the factory harness as those bike would burn up the ignition switch if you added much draw on the stack harness.
and i wouldn't put that much current on my 09- they didn't design for it- and the cost of failure are high- the optics they use now are pretty darn good--- been spotting them Javalinas a little sooner on this bike.
mike
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
High beam is 100w. Many parts of the system are subject to burnout including light parts and wires. If you continue to use the lights at least make sure you use an appropriate relay.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 7
From: Rochester N.Y.
If you're going to run a light with that much wattage , you should really run a relay to boost efficiency and save the stock switches from that much amperage.
This guy offers some really neat , well made relays for bikes.
http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Produc...s/h4_kits.html
The H4 Single Relay Kit would be super for your project.
Even a high output charging system may not have enough guts at low RPM's but at highway speeds can keep up with the load no problem.
I had good luck running an Osram 70/65 H4 bulb , the first number is always the low beam wattage.
Bear in mind high wattage bulbs "usually" have shorter lifespans than standard wattage bulbs.
Mick
This guy offers some really neat , well made relays for bikes.
http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Produc...s/h4_kits.html
The H4 Single Relay Kit would be super for your project.
Even a high output charging system may not have enough guts at low RPM's but at highway speeds can keep up with the load no problem.
I had good luck running an Osram 70/65 H4 bulb , the first number is always the low beam wattage.
Bear in mind high wattage bulbs "usually" have shorter lifespans than standard wattage bulbs.
Mick
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
or get a relay kit from pep boys for $17.
relay, wire connectors etc. in the off road light section.
and definitely go to high temp socket for the headlamp, also pep boys
you are right about that 15A fuse, you are marginal on that circuit ( although i am looking at 2009 manual- the evo was different altogether, and then I rewired it)
15.83 A low beam and spots, 17.5 high and spots.
probably add .5 for wiring, switches, sockets etc.
mike
relay, wire connectors etc. in the off road light section.
and definitely go to high temp socket for the headlamp, also pep boys
you are right about that 15A fuse, you are marginal on that circuit ( although i am looking at 2009 manual- the evo was different altogether, and then I rewired it)
15.83 A low beam and spots, 17.5 high and spots.
probably add .5 for wiring, switches, sockets etc.
mike
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