How do these charge numbers sound..

[zman]

I took a trusted Meter around town and monitored the voltage while riding. Stock Interstate, the only modification is 2 LED`s replacing the tail/stop light.
Idle is 950 or so and charging at 13.20-13-40 it fluctuates, as soon as I bring it to up to say 1200 it will read 14.20 or so then 1500RPM on up it is reading 14.50- 14.70 very consistent and holds fairly steady, If I turn on the radio it bumps to 14.80.
What I am wondering since it is a shunt type regulator it must be shunting the excess and the regulator must be getting awfully hot.
Thinking maybe the 2 LED 1157 bulbs were a mistake, maybe add a few extra incandescent bulbs would make the regulator run cooler?
Just wondering, It seems high when you get into the high 14 volts region. But maybe normal, just wondering what an up to snuff charge system is getting.
This bike sat for 23 years as well, no telling if the electronics in the factory regulator held up either.
By the way it was cool out so the fan never came on.
Thanks for your input.

 

[slabghost]

Sounds normal to me.

 

[joedrum]

yep sounds noral...... but i think your assumptions are right .. be nice if every thing made was used

 

[backlander]

+1 normal, count your lucky stars.

 

[zman]

slabghost » Sat Jul 19, 2014 12:34 pm[/url]":1vysspoj]
Sounds normal to me.

Good to know, I was mainly concerned with heat on the regulator, plan on a new AGM type battery in the near future and didn't want to cook it with overcharging. Also plan to get a mosfet regulator but that's even later down the road.
Thanks Joe, Backlander..Good to know.

 

[mcgovern61]

Those numbers are normal. 15.2 is overcharging!

 

[Ansimp]

A true AGM will handle the higher voltages better. A gel cell normally prefers a lower voltage 13.7.

 

[zman]

Ansimp » Sat Jul 19, 2014 4:54 pm[/url]"xt247qd]
A true AGM will handle the higher voltages better. A gel cell normally prefers a lower voltage 13.7.

Good info..Thanks.