I was tinkering on the bike today and had the seat off so I thought I'd check the voltage across the battery terminals .

I'm afraid the multi meter I have is a really old analogue model , but it looked like I was getting about 12.9 volts @3500rpm and with the headlight on , but only 12.5 with the lights off. Seems a bit low to me , or is that normal? BTW , I've just changed the battery for a new gel one .

 

You have a load on the battery with the lights on so the voltage will slightly fluctuate. 12.9v is just about right for a 12v battery also depending on the manufacturer of the battery may differ in one or two tenths of a volt. Just from what u said above you have nothing to worry about.

 

Thanks , I'm not sure but I think the last time I checked my car charges at about 13.5 volts .

I know you can't really compare , but I'm more used to working on cars than bikes Though the bike gets far more attention these days!!

 

Try the bike at 5000RPM see if the voltage goes up a little.

 

It's just gone half past midnight here , do ya think it might pi55 the neighbours off a tad , do ya??

 

I guess not, but u can always try tomorrow morning. who wouldnt like a wake up call by a high reving bike lol