About 3 weeks ago, after I installed the 4 running/brake lights on my hard saddlebags, I blew a headlight fuse (all on the same circuit). It just happened again yesterday. The lights are dual filament, and are not 1157, but actually smaller than that and the bulb itself is perfectly round (not sure of the bulb marking #...couldn't find one.) Still, they are incandescent and NOT LED.

As mentioned in another thread, I'm also running SilverStar bulbs in my passing lamps which, according to Pop Rivet...and thanks for that reminder, Pop, because I would have forgotten that fact , are 65 watt bulbs as opposed to the standard 35 watt H3 bulbs.

Also, at the end of a day of riding, the battery is almost dead--trouble cranking the engine over. And I ride with passing lamps on, day or night.

Now, here's my question: Are those two lighting changes (which I thought were insignificant in increased power draw ) enough to put my stator over the edge and draw so much current that the battery can't recharge? I keep the bike on a trickle charger every night anyway, jut to be safe. Or could it be a failing battery? I bought the bike used in Phoenix, and I know from living there that the AZ summer sun can kill a car battery in one season. I believe the battery in my bike to be the original, so that battery has probably been in service since 2004 at least.

Should I reduce the current draw by settling for lower wattage passing lamps, or replace the battery and see if that's the culprit? If so, which Yuasa battery would you recommend? I know the stock is 12v, 18-amp, but is there a beefier one I could go with?

Dammit, it's always something...nothing major at all, but something, and probably my fault for living in Tinkervile and turning my '04 into a Christmas tree o' lighting...

Thanks in advance,

RK

Roadkill1962 wrote:
Dammit, it's always something...nothing major at all, but something, and probably my fault for living in Tinkervile and turning my '04 into a Christmas tree o' lighting...

Yes, it's your fault. The R* stator is anemic and any significant increase in load causes the battery to drain. It was a common complaint on the 1600 when guys tried any small increases in load. But you have now added 4 running lights/brake lights and 2 x 65 W running lights. I'm not surprised that your battery is alomst dead after rides.

If you are unsure as to the battery, take it to a battery store and have them do a load test on it.

There are a few larger output batteries available that will fit but I don't have the numbers here at work.

Doc

RK

POP wasnt blowin hot air...

Was waiting for it to happen again...especially when ya told me about the Silver Stars

It IS your light show that is the culprit


Just replace those H3ST 65 watt with 35 watt stock...H3 bulbs...hell that is 60watts right there

(I had in H3 55 watt cool blue and changed back to stock cause I was worried with the added RTB controller)

That should help and ...you know.. they are bright enough...or get rid yer extra tailights...tradeoffs...
Maybe you also need a fresh battery but the blowing fuse is a circuit overload for sure...<br><br>Post edited by: Pop Rivet, at: 2007/05/03 12:47

What Pop said...if all your connections are tight your pulling too much current and blowing the fuse......ever see Christmas vacation .....Coug

RK, you could just get yourself a deep cycle / marine battery (only weigh about 70lbs.) and install it in one of your saddlebags, that should cure the lighting issue! Just kidding, back off the wattage like POP said and you and your Christmas tree should be good.BB

What...you're saying I have too many lights on her?





RK

There is a slight possibility!! You could hold an impromptu drag race behind those bags!! BB

Roadkill1962 wrote:
What...you're saying I have too many lights on her?



RK

HEYYYYY! DISCO!

seriously tho&acute;, drop the passing lamps down to 35&acute;s.

2 x 60 watts + the headlamp is enough for stevie wonder to see by!

a pair of 35&acute;s plus the headlamp will still be more than ample at night just off the extra beam spread that you get<br><br>Post edited by: DocShadow, at: 2007/05/04 07:24

Here's some useful information to calculate how much draw you are putting on a circuit.

WATTS / VOLTS = AMPS

For example here's what your driving lights are pulling:

65W / 12V = 5.42A X 2 = 10.84AMPS

That's quite a bit of extra power you are pulling through the headlight circuit.

Stepping down to 35W bulbs will give you a total draw of 5.83AMPS and should help your situation quite a bit.

Here's a good web site for reference

http://www.powerstream.com/Amps-Watts.htm

BT<br><br>Post edited by: bthomas, at: 2007/05/04 04:33

bthomas wrote:
Here's some useful information to calculate how much draw you are putting on a circuit.

WATTS / VOLTS = AMPS

For example here's what your driving lights are pulling:

65W / 12V = 5.42A X 2 = 10.84AMPS

That's quite a bit of extra power you are pulling through the headlight circuit.

Stepping down to 35W bulbs will give you a total draw of 5.83AMPS and should help your situation quite a bit.

Here's a good web site for reference

http://www.powerstream.com/Amps-Watts.htm

BTPost edited by: bthomas, at: 2007/05/04 04:33

BT-

That's a great source of info...thanks! Bump!

And thanks to everyone else for the help, input and taunts (Pop).

RK