Alternator bump??

Started by hop along, January 22, 2010, 07:09:02 PM

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Sledge Hammer

The manual's specification is vague. Is the claim for 374 W @ 5000 rpm a minimum output? A maximum output? Typical output?

If you take the parameter at face value, it is the output of the only generator (aka alternator). It does not specify how much power can be drawn at a regulated 12 V. It's easy enough to check with an oscilloscope and enough load, but as it is, it's kind of useless. If Honda meant only the output of the generator, that output is going to take a big hit due to the regulator. I would not be surprised if the regulator is at best 65% efficient, which would begin to jive with the numbers from Electrosport.
Hard as rock. Tough as nails. Dense as concrete.

1995 Honda Magna
2002 Honda Interceptor

hop along

Okay, so after some consideration, too much time at work, and whatnot, I haven't load tested anything since I haven't had time.  I have, however, ceeded my thoughts to NOT mucking with something that is working just fine. 
So, I'll keep as is with what is already setup:
-LED's have replaced stock turnsignals (except rear), indicator lights and instrument lights behind the speedo/tachometer.  Brakelight is also LED.
-90/110w headlight
-dual 55w PIAA auxiliary lights
-Heated Tourmaster Synergy liner, 74 watts

If I have headlight on HI, aux lights on, jacket on HIGH it will drain the battery enough over a few hours ride that there isn't enough juice to start the engine again.  (not to mention dimming headlights)
I usually keep all the lights on hi; but being in Ohio (wind being an issue as well as cooler temps), being a 3 season rider, and preferring to be well-seen, sometimes there is a strong desire to have all things on at once (especially with the sun down and deer near the road).

Alternative options: remember to cycle on/off either the gear or the lights, but I've already deduced I'm not so good at remembering to do that.

My desire here with this idea was to be able to have the lights all on, along with my jacket liner and the the girlfriends.  So, the tradeoff I think will be less night riding (at least with her), so the auxiliary lights can be of andshe can be plugged in.  so, 110w-74w=36 watts difference in my favour.  Which leads me to think maybe I can also wire in heated handgrips... :

So next thing to look at: heated handgrips.  Been thinking Polly Grips.

Thanks all for your input,
Hop Along

Hop Along
No longer in Norman, OK
2003 Magna
2015 DR650, partly sponsored by a 1973 CT-90 and 2005 CRF 230F....