Topic: Will a Cb650 alternator keep up with a small radio?

[RustyStuff]

I know these bikes don't have a strong chargeing system, so I feel the need to ask.

I'm thinking about putting together a little radio setup. I've got 2 small 3" speaker/box combo's and I have a Radio that is half dead. I would have to look it up, but the radio only puts out 15W Max per side, so not much draw.
I've got a Vetter Quicksilver fairing on the 650, I think everything should fit on it.

Anyone else have a radio on there bike?

[grcamna2]

I would test the radio to see how much it draws on a good auto test battery as far as current draw.

[lone*X]

As long as you wire it switched and not direct (so you don't accidentally leave it on) you should have no problem.  I ran my 75 CB550K1 with a CB/AM/FM mounted in a Vetter for quite a few years and never had a problem.  One advantage the older 550 has is that the headlight is still switched.  In Texas the Always on headlight didn't show up until 76 I think.  Even then I ran at night a lot (worked graves for a looong time) and the charging system kept up while the headlight was on.  Your mileage may very, but what can it hurt to give it a try?

[cb650]

Clean up all the connections.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Keep the revs up and you'll be fine.  If you let 'er idle a lot, that's what will cause your battery to deplete. 

[Hush]

The CB650Z in it's 650PZ form was used as a Police patrol bike around the world, all carried R/T radios as standard equipment, it never seemed to bother the bikes charging system so I would say you should be OK.

[RustyStuff]

Thanks for the advice.