Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Suzuki Tech
Suzuki Tech Suzuki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Suzuki riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Weestrom Regulator set up?

Does anyone know what type of voltage regulator is fitted to the Wee and how it will react to a reduced load?
I’m looking at my options for heated kit, probably grips, a seat pad and a vest. There is a slight chance (with a pillion wearing the vest) that all three would be used together, giving enough load to start draining the battery.
The best solution would be to replace the headlight and tail light bulbs with LED’s, thus giving spare capacity when needed. However, in the back of my mind I have it that there are two type of regulators used on bikes and that the cheaper sort (shunt type?) doesn’t actually cut off any excess production, it just leaks it away via one of it’s own components. If this is the case, the excess when the heated kit is not in use will be bigger than the system designers envisaged. Would normal use (Summer) without the expected load heat/wear the VR faster or cause it to overcharge the battery?
I’d rather fit a three position switch that locks out the seat heat when the vest socket is on than fry a VR or battery.
Thoughts appreciated
Cheers
Andy
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Jul 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1
Wee Regulator - heater power

Andy, it is the shunt type and it just dumps power to ground to bring the voltage down to the level required to charge the battery and supply the engine and lighting. This is the system used by almost all motorcycles (but not the new Triumph Explorer). I run heated grips and also heated liners for both myself and my wife. The Wee output is only 400 watts and even just the rider can overwhelm it. I installed LED taillight bulbs to gain 10 watts. That gives just enough power for one heated liner and grips both on high but it is marginal. When it gets cold and the wife is with me, I just pull the plug off of the right head light. It is easy to reach to take off and to replace, and that gives me an extra 55 watts or so. I also installed a digital volt meter down inside the right cowling that I can see while I ride so I can monitor it to make sure the voltage is not getting too low. I think you are correct that if you drop the load too low it could cause problems for the regulator. For sure it would run much hotter. Without the headlights it would have to dissipate around 100 or more additional watts all the time! Not good.
Try the "unplug one head light" trick. Works well for me. The only time is is an issue at all is when it is very cold, riding two up, and at night on dark roads. All at the same time. Then you have to chose.
John
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Thanks John,

Good idea on unplugging. I like things to be simple and easily put back to standard to aid fault finding. I might knock up a little blanking plug to keep it secure.

Looks like I'll just have to bother to dress properly and let the wife run her heated kit, it's not that often or that far.

There is (according to another forum) a kit to change fron a shunt type system, but I'm thinking expensive and a hassle to fit, so not worth it for the type of riding I do.

Cheers

Andy
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:08.