John Adamson wrote:
> My '86 FLT still has the 22-amp charging system (I think it can be
> increased to the 32A of later models but haven't looked into that
> yet) and plain ol' sealed beam headlights. I'd like to replace 'em
> with halogen lamps (probably sealed beams). Am I safe in simply
> adding up the amperages of all the lights & accessories and making
> sure I stay below 18.5 amps?
Keep in mind that 22 amps is not available at all rpm, only at peak
output, at least 2000 rpm
usually.
Bottom line is that after adding stuff, find the breakeven rpm. Put an
amp-meter on the battery ground cable, and flip on the ignition switch,
if the meter reads positive, flip it over so it reads negative current.
Then start the bike and turn on every electrical component possible,
and hold the brake on, then run the
rpm up just enough to turn the amperage flow from negative to zero,
this is your breakeven rpm, the rpm
above which you must keep the engine running in order to maintain the
voltage in the battery.
Anything below that, and you should be cutting off loads to keep the
battery from being discharged.
The 32 amp system is a very good investment, not only will it improve
the electrics on the bike,
the parts are a whole lot cheaper and more available should you have a
problem with the system
on the road someday.
HogDr
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