13.1 Volts any engine speed - ok ?

My 05 with 83,000 kms is reading 12.9-13.1 volts when riding according to a volt meter I just installed.
Bike starts and rides fine.
From what I’ve read it should be 13.4-15 volts
Any advice appreciated!!

 

Have you checked the accuracy of the voltmeter against a known good one?
Are all the R/R connections clean and good?
Have you tested the voltage at other engine speeds, say 2500 and 5000 rpm?

 

https://www.vfrdiscussion.com/index.php?/forums/topic/84719-the-drill/

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What does it read at idle?

12.9 V is not very good. I'd certainly like to see around, at a minimum, 13.5 V at normal running RPM.

 

If I check the positive batt lead when idling I get 13.5 volts

The front fuse box 10A fuse (I think its for the instrument panel) if i check the inlet side with fuse removed I get 13.5 volts when running. When I squeeze the fuse in over the voltmeter wire then I get a lower reading. I guess as the circuit is in use the voltage is being used giving a lower reading.

I think I need to find somewhere else to connect the volt meter wire to thats inactive when not running.

Any pointers please ?

 

Ok, Welcome to the voltmeter saga... lol

You are fine, if the battery is getting about 13.5v then that's fine.

Depending on where, how, type, accuracy of meter all adds up to little variance's. Use the volt meter to give you warning of any changes - basically if you normally see 13v and the bike is fine but one day then see 15+ v STOP & turn off.
If you see 12.1 v dropping then also you will end up pushing - lol

 

All you are using the voltmeter for is monitor the status quo. Its the changes to normality that mean you may then have to do something. If its connected & works then golden, don't get caught in the small details. All you are looking for is large changes.

My voltmeter is pretty solid at 13.1-14.5v. Normal highway running is shows 14.1v. If when before I start the bike it read 10v then I'd charge it.

 

Few.....anxiety quashed !!!

I tested my voltmeter back to back with a multimeter and got a "close" reading. Bit diff though by say .15 volts max.

I actually installed a voltmeter for "the fun of it" and because "occasional low idling" so when I experienced low idling when stopped at the lights I can look at the voltmeter to see if voltage change is the issue. However, although I've only experienced this condition around 6 times and its less frequent for the same amount or riding.

I've had the bike only 2 months and have been changing from Std to High octane fuel. When cold start on High it idles about 1000-1,100 and Std about 1050-1150. Tad more power on High though.

She's fine now, just some anomalies.....who doesn't have those LOL ...:O)

 

What is the octane rating of your standard..?

I use std (95) for normal running & when I put it away at winter I'll fill it with 98 (high). This is because its easier to start 3 -4 months later...
Its really unlikely that you will notice any difference in power as the bikes are setup for I think 91 >?

You will have an adjuster to move your idle speed on the right side by your oil filler cap. 1200rpm is a good point once warm..

 

Got the idle adjuster thing. When warmed up 1,300 or so, all good there.

Australia Std 92 High Octane 95 or 98

Previous bike 01 FZS1000 and 11 Street Triple big diff in power over Std 92. Especially the Street Triple loved 98, diff bike completely.

Any fine for the Honda.....

 

he did - 13.5v

 

Regarding octane, my 6th gen runs much better on regular 87/89 than premium grades. That's what Honda recommends and as long as I never hear a ping I'm happy with that!

 

I've just sold my gen 5, but in the five years I had it the voltmeter (..a good one) never showed more than 13.5v. Moreover, it read higher at idle than it did as the revs rose. All the same, the battery charged fine and never gave issues. I actually bought a back-up 'battery boost pack' to take with me on two-week touring trips and it's never been used!