Charging monitor for R100GSPD ?

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Hi,
Anyone got a recommendation for an on-bike monitor to be able to see what the alternator is doing while out riding?
Kisan Charge-guard looks very good but pricey at 150USD..
Bin

 

[ianboydsnr]

I use one of these on my guzzi, well one of them!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-Unive...35?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item4adc943a23

 

[(RIP) Arkwright]

In similar fashion to Ian Boyd, I've got one of these fitted to each of my Airheads, you can then wire the Alternator rotor direct from the ignition without the need for the red light!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycl...14?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item2ec22e9c66

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Hi Arkwright!

Do you short out the light bulb? No issue? I would love that!

Bin

 

[Kenny]

Most of these just need a + and - on the ignition side

 

[Rob Farmer]

What's wrong with the standard charge light? If it comes on your stuffed anyway.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Rob, if it does not come on you are stuffed too! I have had a shot rotor and think I need more confidence in the charging system - if that is not a contradiction in terms!

 

[(RIP) Arkwright]

What's wrong with the standard charge light? If it comes on your stuffed anyway.

I don't think there's anything wrong with the standard charge light..........when it works, some of the connections on early mono's are getting a bit tired now and maybe it's an unnecessary set of connections. Wiring the alternator straight from the ignition side and monitoring the battery voltage I think may be more reliable and gives an earlier indication if it's not charging.

 

[Rob Farmer]

A few minutes preventative maintainance on your wiring and connections would be a better idea. I've had over 30 bmw and 20 years of riding them and never had a situation where anything other than the standard charge light was needed. But if you want more bling then feel free.

 

[Bulldust]

Micro Digital Volt Meter

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=131307749251

I use this on my R100GSPD.

 

[steve in nz]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=131307749251

I use this on my R100GSPD.

nice unit Bulldust.

hard choice, red light digital readout, red light digital readout, red light digital readout.

 

[Bulldust]

My unit is mounted in such a way as to require a slight lean forward to see it when riding, otherwise it is out of my field of vision. The advantage of this small digital unit is it also gives you a battery condition reading when you turn on the ignition.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Ordered one like Arkright's thanks for info.

 

[Beemerboff]

I have the unit Ian Boyd suggests on my F650, as the bike does not have a charging light or any indication of the health of the charging system - apart from the engine which does not run on either high or low voltage.
They also have a piss weak reg / rec which is a noted trouble point, failing usually due to overheating.

The unit dues give an indication of a low battery at switch on, and the unit is sensitive enough to pick up the change in behavior of the bikes solid state reg/rec as it heats up, and the flashing lights give you a chance to do something before it fails, which is something a voltage meter which seems to read only the battery volts, does not do as readily.

Like Rob , I dont see the same need for them on my airheads, but I do have one of these 6? LED charge testers and a quick test is part of my normal service procedure.

 

[John Armstrong]

Ordered one like Arkright's thanks for info.

I've got one of these as it shows the voltage whilst riding, and before you switch the ignition on:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycl...larm-bike-G-/200826330214?hash=item2ec22e9c66

 

[Redboots]

I have never had any charging problems on the GS but I changed the alternator for an Enduralast unit and while I was at it, stuck one of these in the l/h dash switch recess. I get 14.2v at 2000rpm