Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Lights drain battery Lights drain battery
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
Page 4 of 5 123 4 5
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #46  
Old 6 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry Smith View Post
I believe the bike should never be using the batter while the engine is running, regardless of the state of charge of the battery.
When the engine is at low speed (idle) the battery will be providing some power, more if you have stop light on, more if you have indicators on, and much more if you have the headlights on. At idle the alternator is at minimum power and may only just provide power for your ignition system.

As the engine speed increases the alternator power increases too, but it is not a linear relationship. See the Car and Deep Cycle Battery FAQ, Battery Manufacturers and Brand Names List, and for info (section 5).

From your given info I suspect the dual hi beam was added by an over enthusiastic owner .. who only used it for short periods of time .. or who realized he had a problem and sold it off.

Remove the dual high beam
Reply With Quote
  #47  
Old 8 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
At idle the bike should charge fine with a normal 60/65w headlight, and 5w rear, and all the instruments working......Mine does, i've got a voltmeter fitted to the bike.

Again....Turn of one of the front lights, and you should be good to go.
Reply With Quote
  #48  
Old 9 Jan 2014
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
You can always save a few watts if you get a BAY15D SMD bulb for your rear stop/brake lights!
Reply With Quote
  #49  
Old 9 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mezo View Post
In Aussie the headlight is wired to stay on Jens for safety (like Volvo`s) stupid idea as it makes no difference to safety, but its the law.
It WAS the law. That law has been repealed as the statistical results said it made no difference. So you can now turn your headlight off in Australia. But some motorcycle manufactures are not equipping their bikes with the switch... makes it common with some other markets who also don't have a headlight switch. But you can legal turn the headlight off, you just need a way of doing it.
Last edited by Warin; 10 Jan 2014 at 23:04. Reason: statistical !
Reply With Quote
  #50  
Old 10 Jan 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 12
Faulty wiring! I realised that I had checked that there was no voltage drop between the regulator and battery, but with no load and a bad battery! Checking again under full load and with a new battery, I found almost 1 volt drop from the regulator to the battery. So I cleaned all the contacts, added solder to the joints, thickened the wire and shortened the amount of wire between the regulator and battery (all on +ve side). Now it'll maintain 14.4V with normal lights, and 12.9V with the dual hi beam, which is not ideal but at least should not drain the battery. To save power I got some of those delivery scooter hand covers so hopefully I won't need the heated handgrips as much (although I am loath to make my tenere wear them, I think it's better to look like a pizza delivery bike than always ask for a jump)

Thanks for the help, I'll post here again after testing the viability of the dual hi beams on a bit of a ride.
Reply With Quote
  #51  
Old 10 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry Smith View Post
Now it'll maintain 14.4V with normal lights, and 12.9V with the dual hi beam, which is not ideal but at least should not drain the battery.
12.9 won't damage the battery in the short term. But you'll want to run it higher 10 to 15 minutes before your stop to have enough energy to start the bike the next morning. As you'll probably want to run at a slower speed with the light reduction that will cool the motor too, a good thing to do.
Reply With Quote
  #52  
Old 11 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
Some led's for the instrumentlight, and the rearlight should save up some extra wattage to get the voltage over 13v.

I'd still use an on/off switch so you could turn of one of the frontbeams, when its not really needed. Or perhaps change one of them for a "smaller" one in the 30-50w area, it should really help
Reply With Quote
  #53  
Old 11 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jens Eskildsen View Post
Some led's for the instrumentlight, and the rearlight should save up some extra wattage to get the voltage over 13v.
The saving is very small when compared to the overall power.

The instrument lights are 3 watts each, the tail light is 5 watts .. so if LEDs save half and you have two instrument lights you'd save some 7.5 watts out of some 168 watts ... less than 5% saving.
Reply With Quote
  #54  
Old 15 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
LED's save way more than half, they use well under 1w each.

Theres the 2 bulbs for the indicators, and the rear/brake-light. Theres also the parking light. He could change the neutrallight and the high beam indicator, eventhough they're not on much.

He's running right on the egde, im sure the charging system would be thankfull for an additional 10w "buffer"
Reply With Quote
  #55  
Old 15 Jan 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 12
Well, I took it for a ride, mostly on hi beam except when I was too high (cold) and had to turn the heated handgrips on. Left with the battery at 12.86, returned and it was up to 13.05. So it looks like the problem is prett much solved. I like the idea of switching out to LED where I can, as you say a bit of a buffer would be a good thing, but I may put that off for a while until I have a good workspace for 'nice to have' items.

Quick question about the LEDs - do drop in replacement bulbs for the dedicated hi beam projector exist? I remember doing a bit of research a few years ago and found that the throw pattern would be useless. Anyone know of a change to this situation?
Reply With Quote
  #56  
Old 16 Jan 2014
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
There are H4 SMD bulbs but they are expensive (around 50€ if you can find them cheap) and the maximum I've found had only 300lumen...

The only way you'll save some real wattage is if you go with HID ballasts and bulbs! check them out!

If I had the spare cash right now I'd get an HID projector lens preferably with a 3" diameter lens and with an H1 4300K 55w bulb!

In the XT600E stock headlight you can only fit a 2.5" projector lens with a proprietary bulb (unless you hack the sh*t out of your headlight reflector!
Reply With Quote
  #57  
Old 16 Jan 2014
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
BAY15D SMD rear brake light 1.5W: (stock is 21W brake light and 5W rear "presence" light)

1157 BAY15D 18 SMD 5050 Pure White Tail Turn Signal 18 LED Car Light Bulb Lamp | eBay


You can also go with LED turn signals/blinkers whatever you wanna call it!

Vando
Reply With Quote
  #58  
Old 16 Jan 2014
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,325
Its actually only running light in the back that is worth mention here, turn signal and brake light is on so short of a time on that there is no point counting them here.. Original there is 55W headlight bulb, buy HID 35W then you really save power.
Reply With Quote
  #59  
Old 16 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
HID's is illegal many places, and the lightpattern in a stock reflector sux. I wouldn't call it an option.
Reply With Quote
  #60  
Old 16 Jan 2014
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,325
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jens Eskildsen View Post
HID's is illegal many places, and the lightpattern in a stock reflector sux. I wouldn't call it an option.
Dont agree, the pattern isnt much different from stock. And with 35W no one will tell the difference from stock. The rules about HID on motorcycle i dont know about, if the light strength is about the same as stock and colour is same i cant see any problem. Have you tried HID on your bike?
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 4 of 5 123 4 5

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Motobatt Battery - Any good? kentfallen Yamaha Tech 14 10 Oct 2017 17:16
Electrical Equipment? adam402 Camping Equipment and all Clothing 14 13 Jun 2013 08:34
Need Battery Tiger 800 XC in Guanajuato John Hubbard Central America and Mexico 2 27 May 2013 13:12
Looking to buy a 12V 10-12AmpHour battery between Mancora & Lima (Peru) arooni SOUTH AMERICA 0 7 Oct 2012 03:23
Battery trickle charger.. bacardi23 Yamaha Tech 7 24 Dec 2011 22:37

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 07:30.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top