charging question
 

Hey new to the bike world and here. My name is Drew I have a 1994 honda cbr f2 600. I just replaced the voltage reg on my bike my question is at idle the lights are dimmer then when I rev to 2,500-3,000 but at around 4 k the lightsdim back out atittleis that because of a half dead batt? or something else ? or is this normal. thanks alot guys. that batt is on charge so I'll see tommorw just wanted to see what yall thought.


Drew

RE: charging question
 

The battery should have roughly13-13.2 volts sitting, anything under 12.3 and its not charged. With the bike at idle is should have 13+ or so. At higher RPM it should peak out around 14, and never exceed 15.5. After all that checks out, take a reading of the battery only. Record the value. Then check in an hour or more and see if it has gone down. Check the following day. If it all checks out, you're probably good. If not, look into a battery.

By the way, to clarify, you get those voltages with a multimeter.

Hope this helps and I'm not just telling you what you already know.

Jared

RE: charging question
 

Also, you should charge the battery at .9A for 5-10 hours in this situation, also with a new battery. IF you must quick charge, don't exceed 4A for more than 1 hour. If you do, you will kill your battery. Overcharging is no good.

Jared

RE: charging question
 

The charge voltage should be somewhere close to 15.5 VDC at 5,000RPM.

RE: charging question
 

To simplify, at idle your lights & idiot lights etc, are dimmer, than at 2500-3000rpm.

RE: charging question
 

Yes the do get brighter but fade out again at around 4,500+


Drew

RE: charging question
 

On the F2, the voltage should never be above 15.5 at 5k rpm, but may be as low as 13.0v. Also, the charging system puts out 1A max at 5k RPM. A fully charged battery should be between 12.8 and 13.0 volts, but a battery may be bad even if it read's that amount. A load test would be the best indicator.

As far as charging, I have read that a rule of thumb is max 1/3 battery amperage rating. IE, if the battery is 9amp hour, charge at 3amps max. Most recommend a 1 amp slow charger to avoid killing the battery, or even 1/10 rating. (the Yuasa battery I just got today recommends a slow charge, but says a higher charge may be used. They do caution that you watch closely the charge cycle.)

Anyway, I think it's normal for the lights to be dimmer at idle. Mine do that too as the regulator is putting out less voltage. At 5krpm though the lights should not get dimmer. If they do I suspect a regulator, wiring, or stator problem. I'd have someone with the proper electronic gear test the system while the bike is running.