Running voltage?

[Bob K.]

When I rev my bike, the charging voltage only goes to about 13.7 volts. I have read that it should be about 13.9-14.2.
Is this true?
Is there a concern?
Brushes?
Okay?

[on2wheels52]

Not. I would think you're in the margin of error for your voltmeter. I bougt a Kuriackan (sp) voltmeter to check the current draw when running my Gerbing jacket. It proved easier to read than a Fluke strapped to the tankbag.
Jim

[PFFOG]

13.7 is not uncommon, it may be more of an indicator of battery health, than charging system.

[JonyRR]

that's not enough.
something's wrong.

I always want to see 14.5VDC at about 5K rpm regardless of what it is.

I'll bet dollars to donuts it's the battery...if the bat is >2 years old, do an AMP draw test (go to autozone).

[on2wheels52]

Jony
I would consider that on the high end of the scale but I appreciate the AZ plug. It has been one of my better stock picks. I would not expect my local counterman to interpret the results of a load test on a motorcycle battery, perhaps you can expect to have more faith in yours.
Jim

[JonyRR]

well, drag out a manual for virtually any vehicle with a 12 volt negative ground charging system and I'd bet it says 14.5VDC as a correct charge level.

but of course, free advice is worth what you pay for it.

make up your own mind.

[squall_line]

Given that this is the same member that has had the ABS failure lights alternating after startup, but then clearing after a 5 mile ride and re-start, I'm going to bet that the battery health is the culprit of the low voltage being seen while running.

I know that the battery is a PITA to get to, but I have to ask myself why, after being told to replace a battery, someone would spend more time chasing gremlins that don't exist than it would have taken to just replace the battery by now.

[Bob K.]

I agree that my two concerns (ABS lights and questionable charging voltage) may be related. I hope so to be sure. I ordered a Odyssey PC680 battery and it should be here by the end of the week. I'll update once installed on both topics. I have my fingers crossed!

[roger albert]

Those are virtually always related.
The regulators on these vary more than you might think, but in general, 14.5 is a pretty high expectation. If that's the metric, at least half of all oilheads don't charge properly. 14 +/- a quarter covers most of them.

[Bob K.]

Okay, I put the Odyssey PC680 in Saturday. I have had it out a few times now. The charging voltage seems better. Now it runs at about 13.90 - 13.95 volts (just under 14).
No ABS lights, and I think that it runs smoother at idle. (Am I imagining this?)

[bikpaintr]

Originally Posted by Bob K.

Okay, I put the Odyssey PC680 in Saturday. I have had it out a few times now. The charging voltage seems better. Now it runs at about 13.90 - 13.95 volts (just under 14).
No ABS lights, and I think that it runs smoother at idle. (Am I imagining this?)

That will certainly keep you going but still seems low. I take it you are measuring voltage at the battery with a digital voltmeter with the bike revving 3-4k? An AGM battery likes to see 14.2v & your Odyssey prefers closer to 14.5v for optimum battery health. My old Airheads are set up so I get 14v at 3k & above so I'm sure your Oilhead can do better then 13.9v. Have you cleaned all the connectors, checked/cleaned the grounds & checked belt tension/condition?

[Bob K.]

I cleaned the battery connections, but not any of the others. I say the battery ground, it looked okay with no corrosion, so I didn't take apart.
Trouble?