Max voltage should read?
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
Depends on where you measure it. I say that because the dash gauges are not very accurate. Measure it at the battery for correct voltages. My gauge reads about a volt high compared to the reading at the battery at various rpm. Next time I have the outer fairing off, I'll measure at the back of the gauge. I haven't looked or seen a comment, but I'll also check to see if there is adjustment on the gauge, probably not though.
EDIT; service manual says voltage regulator output should be 14.3-14.7 @ 75 degree F
Volt meter test at battery specifications are 12.7 indicate a 100% charge. Page 1-54 of 2011 Touring SM
EDIT; service manual says voltage regulator output should be 14.3-14.7 @ 75 degree F
Volt meter test at battery specifications are 12.7 indicate a 100% charge. Page 1-54 of 2011 Touring SM
Last edited by Chunker; Nov 18, 2012 at 09:35 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Depends on where you measure it. I say that because the dash gauges are not very accurate. Measure it at the battery for correct voltages. My gauge reads about a volt high compared to the reading at the battery at various rpm. Next time I have the outer fairing off, I'll measure at the back of the gauge. I haven't looked or seen a comment, but I'll also check to see if there is adjustment on the gauge, probably not though.
EDIT; service manual says voltage regulator output should be 14.3-14.7 @ 75 degree F
Volt meter test at battery specifications are 12.7 indicate a 100% charge. Page 1-54 of 2011 Touring SM
EDIT; service manual says voltage regulator output should be 14.3-14.7 @ 75 degree F
Volt meter test at battery specifications are 12.7 indicate a 100% charge. Page 1-54 of 2011 Touring SM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 39,682
Likes: 2,118
From: Central, Ca.
Is that 12.7V at the battery with the engine off? I would think it would be close to 14V. with the engine running at high idle. My volt meter also reads a tic over 14V. at speed
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
14v if you measure with a volt meter. If you are using the guage on the dash, it could be anywhere. Harley guages are about as accurate as a Sun-dial.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 13
From: Sussex, South of England
Just over 14 volt at 2000rpm is pretty good. 12.7 at engine off is pretty decent. Lower temperatures will give you a lower reading when the engine is not running. Anytime a battery goes to 12 volt or lower you know you are in for trouble.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 46
My gauge is off 4-7 volts, been that way since I got it @ 45000 miles, getting ready to turn 100000 sometime in Jan. @ idle it's around 10v but riding it is around 12-14. When I first got it, it concerned me but at the battery it reads 12.6 when off & 14.6 when running. Granted I have the engine idling around 600 rpms, a lot less heat at the stop lights, less vibration & I think it sounds better. Same battery as when I got the Ultra back in 2007, second alt (changed that around 60000). I only worry when the gauge does not move up at all after you start it.
Toby
Toby