First time HD owner and have a 2010 SG. Ever since I got it (at 300 miles now has 500) the voltage while running is around 15 volts? This is with a brand new HD battery and is kept on a battery tender. As you can tell the bike sat for 2 years before I bought it.

Is this normal?

With the KOEO I get 11.5 volts on the gauge. It fires right up with no issues but was just currious if this is normal?

Other noticable differences from previous bikes and questions but well save those for another post.

Thanks
Chad

 

Normal. Actual voltage readings can only be taken from the battery. Should read about 12.5 not running and about 14.5 running if memory serves me correctly.

 

Is it reading that on the gauge in the fairing or did you take a reading with a volt meter on the battery while running?

I just noticed my '12 SG with only 400 miles is showing 15 V on the gauge while running. Took a reading with a volt meter and it only read 14.1 V. As someone in another post pointed out to me it is common for the gauges to be off. Funny part is without the bike running I was getting consistent readings between the gauge and the volt meter

 

Yes.

After a good 24 hour low amp controlled charge and the battery has set about 2 hours voltage should be about 12.8 volts.

12.8 = full charged

12.6 = 75%

12.3 = 50%

12.0 =25%

With a DC volt meter hooked across the battery terminals and reading 12.7 or so, crank motor and while its cranking it should not drop below 9.6 volts or so and as soon as it starts and throttled up to 2000 rpm or so should read 14.8 or so volts. The crank check shows a rough check of the reserve amperage capacity of the battery while cranking with a 150-200 amp load on it. The 14.8 or so shows a good alternator and if you leave it on a while as the battery is recharged from starting, the regulatory will drop the voltage a little showing itself working. However with the lights and stuff always on it will never drop back much.
When a battery wears out a good charge will show fairly good voltage but the battery can still have very low amperage capacity which will show in the crude crank test but really should be checked after a good charge by removing it from bike and getting a free check at a place like AutoZone that has a fancy load meter check that gives you a print out of the battery health. Battery MUST BE CHARGED to check

Just thru in my pat answer. May be in there but check running at around 2000 rpm . Below that voltage will vary and be eratic.

 

Its on the fairing gauge. Sounds like all is normal. Im not worried anymore. They will check the system at the first 1000 mile service to verify.

Thanks for those who replied quickly.

 

I have a 2010 Street Glide and my dash gauge reads the same. I seen other posts that confirm this is normal. Enjoy your ride.

 

I hope the newer gauges are more accurate than my old '90 Ultra Classic gauge. Mine shows 12.5 at the guage, but 14.8 at the battery with a meter. It's right next to the left speaker and when I've got the stereo on the gauge will fluctuate from 11.5 to 12.5. Pretty sure the bass is moving the needle around, but it took me forever to figure out why the stupid thing was fluctuating.

 

Opinions vary and I respect yours as well. IF you can't make a mistake and learn from it, well then life has nothing to offer. Let's see, uhmmmmm browser didn't show dates, I did the last message from my cell phone... Sorry to be a bother. Have a great day. Oh, your welcome...
Ret USAF
21 yrs Honorably Served...

 

got the same question is mvolt meter to high

 

Ripsaw was all over it good post! First thing I noticed when mine was new.