Voltmeter Reading - Ducati.ms

HYPERR · Feb 11th, 2009, 10:07 pm

My voltmeter reads 13.5 volts at idle. If I rev the engine, it will read 13.6 and no higher. Shouldn't the voltage go up to 14+ when revved?

BrianG · Feb 11th, 2009, 10:54 pm

13.8v - 14.4v is required for charging systems to fully charge a 12 volt lead-acid battery.

Max output is usually attained at around 3000 rpm in permanent magnet motorcycle alternators.

AXE · Feb 11th, 2009, 10:59 pm

I don't think it is unusal, but I can't say I know for sure a bout the Hyper. Typically, charging systems are designed to maintain a minimum charge, but not necessarily fully charge or condition the battery.

That is why most battery manufacturers recommend a quality charger to not only maintain a charge, but run a cycle of higher and lower charges to condition the battery for peak performance and longevity.

There are some really good sites that discuss this. I referenced some recently when investing in some new batterys and accerssories for my toyhauler. Heres one:

http://www.batteryuniversity.com/partone-13.htm

The primary cause of premature battery failure is sulfation. That can be for poor maintenance and running the water low. The lead plates sulfate and they short and you fork out the cash for new ones.

That being said, without much maintenance on my bikes and atvs my batteries have always lasted a pretty long time. I only put them on a conditioner every couple months or so.

Out!

sick50ford · Feb 11th, 2009, 11:44 pm

not trying to thread-jack but this thread reminded me of a question i had in the neighborhood

A few years ago I had a new quad and left the key on overnight, the next day the battery would not take a charge.

I was told that once you let a motorcycle battery get drained that it will not ever hold the same quality of charge or be no good at all. Anyone with knowledge of this?

I'm asking this because I am getting the tard back on the road after 2 months and the battery was drained to about 5 volts and I'm thinking it might be crap from my past experience. I did charge it however and it seems like it might be ok.

AXE · Feb 12th, 2009, 8:48 am

I just recently sold my 2002 Yamaha FZ1 and it had the original battery in it. It was definitely getting weak if it sat untouched for more than a couple weeks, but would still take a charge and crank. I had drained that battery at least three times, once by leaving the light on and twice by letting it sit too long.

You can bring back a battery, but you need to have a charger that will condition the battery. In this case one that might put out well over 14V for a period of time. Then it should keep a float charge on it until it is conditioned. You may have to cycle it a few times, but it should come back.

I assume it is mainteance free, but you can actually pull the cover off the top and expose the holes for the electrolyte. You can add some distilled water if low and recharge.

I was able to bring my RV batteries back to life this way. I still replaced them with some larger batteries, but a buddy was able to use them in his small boat for his electric trolling motor.

Out!

HYPERR · Feb 12th, 2009, 6:40 pm

Actually the voltage not going up past 13.6 volts when the engine is revved is technically a problem. My question is: Is it reading only 13.6 volts because the alternator is not putting out full juice? Or is it actually putting more out but it is the idiosyncracy of the Hypermotard voltmeter not to register over 13.6? Has anyone seen a higher reading than 13.6 on their Hypermotard voltmeter?

BigHoss · Feb 12th, 2009, 7:56 pm

Checked mine and the same here....13.6 - 13.8.....Canbus ssytem??

sconly · Feb 12th, 2009, 8:18 pm

I have not checked mine but typial charging system is 14.4

Koop · Feb 12th, 2009, 8:49 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigHoss

Checked mine and the same here....13.6 - 13.8.....Canbus ssytem??

Don't blame CAN bus. CAN is only the messenger. 13.8v is minimum charging voltage as mentioned above. Perhaps the regulator on the Hyper is set at that voltage, I don't know. It could be a tolerance thing, it is within the minimum spec. FWIW, my 848 shows 14.3-14.4 regardless of rpm.

HYPERR · Feb 12th, 2009, 8:50 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by sconly

I have not checked mine but typial charging system is 14.4

Yes I agree. The voltmeter should read in the mid 14s when revved if the alternator is puttting out the proper juice. I have no charging issues with my Hyper however so hence my question. Are any of you getting readings of over 14 in the stock Hyper voltmeter?