Morning adventure..

[hootmon]

While I was pulling away from the house.. I was thinking about the regulator, and how it hasn't failed in a while...
Got almost to work this morning..
Pulled into the left turn lane to turn to go into the industrial area my job is at (3 lanes of heavy traffic to cross)...
Bike dies.. Won't start... Not enough juice..
Battery / Regulator...
I'll find out later when I go put a jump box on it, and ride it the last 1/4 mile to work, then investigate..

I should have never thunk it.. JINX!

[lragan]

I now carry a spare regulator in my saddle bag.  On a recent short trip with my grandson riding the second Magna, we experienced an electrical failure.  Swapped out the regulator beside the road, nursed the bike to the destination, the Honda dealer in New Braunfels.  Turns out it was the battery.  So, now, in addition to a regulator, I carry a small VOM.

On a return trip from Alpine TX a couple of years ago with Skyride, who got rather tired of pushing me to get the bike started, I replaced the battery with one I bought at Walmart.  It got me home.  In that case, it was the reg-rect unit.  Again, it would have been nice to have a VOM along.  The smallest one from Harbor Freight only costs a few bucks, and I strongly recommend it for inclusion in "emergency" supplies.

[hop along]

So, now, in addition to a regulator, I carry a small VOM.

..and a VOM is...?  Voltage Meter?
Hop Along

[lragan]

Sorry, Volt-Ohm-Meter. 

[hootmon]

I have a small 1"X3" Alternator tester that I carry.. I just has several LED's and Voltages next to them.. Good enough for side of the road work..
Unfortunately I've soldered my connections, so.. IF I want to carry a spare, I'd have to swap out my Stator or get a donor set of Plugs (anybody have any??)

I borrowed a VOM at work.. Rev'ed the motor.. No change at all...
Ordered a Electro Sport Regulator.. Seems the people I bought it from Probably don't keep them in stock as it's suppose to show up in about a week..
So, I charged the battery good...
I pulled the headlight Fuse
I strapped on a Battery jump box to my rack (just in case)]
and rode the bike home... Made it all 16 miles without having to stop and re-juice..
Now.. It's the waiting game for the mail man.. I think this is my 4th regulator in 120K miles (2 bikes).
Interesting that it was cold enough to wear a jacket, so heat shouldn't have played a part in the failure (except over time)
 

[LIMagna]

You guys need to put a permanent voltmeter on your bikes so you see these things coming.  I've had one since my first RR failed but the thing is you actually have to listen to what it's telling you.  Although I had seen the evidence of undercharging for several weeks (seemed intermittent), I continued to ride the bike until the point where I had taken a short trip to check on the status of my wife's car at the local Audi dealership and then couldn't get it started to head back home.  Fortunately, being at a car dealership, they were able to bring out a portable battery to get the bike started.  Ordered the new Mosfet RR as soon as I got back to the house   

[hootmon]

Kept swearing I was going to get one, but never did.. Now I've ordered two.. Not sure which one I'll use, but it will be one of them
I also ordered some connectors so I can make mine more easily interchangeable. (they are NOT the same as stock, but will work.
I may purchase one of the sub-$30 ones and just keep it around for the next event.. and take it with on any long trips.

[TLRam1]

I now carry a spare regulator in my saddle bag. 

So, now, in addition to a regulator, I carry a small VOM.

I do the same and installed the VM as seen in the photo below.

[hootmon]

I bought one that looks similar to yours and another one that looks like a knock off of Kuryakyn..
Plan to put it in the same space as you did.

[hop along]

[/quote]
I do the same and installed the VM as seen in the photo below.
[/quote]
Terry and Hoot-that is a nice little display there.  Mind sharing specifics of brand/source?  Also, is it too bright or distracting at night?
Hop Along

[hootmon]

THESE MAY NOT BE THE EXACT BUYERS I GOT MINE FROM, BUT THEY ARE SIMILAR

RECTANGLE

Kuryakyn STYLE

THE FIRST IS SUPPOSED TO BE WATER PROOF
THE SECOND IS WATER RESISTANT

[hootmon]

I do the same and installed the VM as seen in the photo below.

19k Miles?? Why don't you go ride some this weekend!!!

[TLRam1]

It has more now on it, 19 thousand and 1. Since Magnas are not made any longer I am saving mine.

Hop Along, I will have to look and see if I can find where to get this at, it was several years back.

[TLRam1]

Is it too bright or distracting at night?

To answer your question, that was my concern also Hop Along, no it is not too bright at night. The trade off is, it is dim during the daytime but you can make out what it says. I can deal with the daytime as long as it was not too bright at night and we are good there.

I don't think I bought mine from this guy but I think it is the same one.

http://stores.advmonster.com/waterproof-digital-voltmeter/

[hootmon]

Hop - I think the concern is the other way around..
The little rectangular meter is perfect at night (get red or green as it won't mess with your night vision).
But pretty much can't be seen during the day...  unless you cover it with your hand to block the sunlight...

I am awaiting my other meter and I'll update once I try that one out..