Author Topic: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?  (Read 1905 times)

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Offline RAFster122s

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Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« on: November 20, 2020, 08:22:41 AM »
Anyone running a voltmeter for our bikes?
Saw this one at Aerostitch...it dims at night, a must have for displays like this...


https://www.aerostich.com/led-battery-gauge.html

They also carry this one...

https://www.aerostich.com/compact-digital-voltmeter.html

That particular one is available on ebay much cheaper...fwiw.
I have one of the later and I chose green, blue is too bright at night, red can sometimes be hard to read during bright sunny conditions...yellow I have no experience with so no opinion there... It is not dimmable.
« Last Edit: November 20, 2020, 08:25:17 AM by RAF122S »
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline PeWe

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #1 on: November 20, 2020, 08:55:31 AM »
A voltmeter has suddenly become a must have! Both my CB750 have one.
Perfect to supervise charging when riding and see when regulator is not properly adjusted.
If adjusting it a little too low, higher voltage will not kick in.

Here is mine. Cheap and work fine. Green that match the gauges and will not blind when riding when really dark.

I have compared what it show vs measure direct on battery with 2 voltmeters to be sure. Idle to 5000 rpm. Around 0.2V less than direct on battery.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg2068470.html#msg2068470
« Last Edit: November 20, 2020, 09:26:18 AM by PeWe »
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline Kevin

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2020, 09:07:29 AM »
I have one on my 400F.
It is connected inside the light bucket and reads about 2v lower than the reading I get at the battery.
It is also an oil temp sensor which I really like having.


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A couple of 400F's and a
'98 Suzuki Intruder VS1400 ~ for long rides

Offline OT7

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #3 on: November 20, 2020, 11:24:55 AM »
I have the LED volitmeter on my CB550F Super Sport.

Offline Deltarider

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #4 on: November 20, 2020, 11:33:19 AM »
Here is my voltmeter. Waiting at the first traffic light, I hold my hand in front of the headlamp, rev the engine to detect whether the lamp's output increases or not. The last 43 years, without exception, there has been charging. Now, could there be overcharging? Possibly, but when I did not have bulbs blown recently and there has been no need to refill the battery too frequently, all is well. Overcharging usually does not start all of a sudden. So when servicing your bike every 3000 km, a simple DMM is all what it takes to check. Turns out I never needed a voltmeter and Honda was right judging we wouldn't need one. There's an advantage in not having a voltmeter. You can keep your eyes on the road. A nice example of 'less is more'. Besides, why would I waist good money on ugly Chinese junk that will make my valuable bike look cheap?
Now an oil temp indicator can be useful. Let me first sidestep to an acceptable voltage indicator Pewe has shown occasionaly, one that can nicely be tucked away between the gauges and will not spoil the looks of your classic. Showing changing colors by leds, it's the only one I'd consider. It's modest, intuitive and - last but not least - can be monitored from the corner of your eyes. Something similar would be nice as an oil temp indicator. I would suggest three color codes: blue = oil has not really warmed up yet, orange = approaching limit, red = too hot. Extinct would indicate oil temp is at working temperature, meaning not too hot, not too cold. Any of you Led adepts think you can make one?
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Offline Bodi

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2020, 12:07:20 PM »
I have an automotive ammeter that I occasionally connect between the battery and rectifier and system connections, duct taping it to the tank. Same with a multimeter connected across the battery measuring voltage.
These are very temporary, used for charging system checks if I've had problems.
I can see some use for a permanent meter for either or both, but haven't had the inclination to make one and don't like the looks of what I've seen available.

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2020, 12:48:46 PM »
I did mount an inexpensive (EBay from China) gauge on my KLR650. It was a quick add on, through a hole in the dash. I really wanted the two phone/device charging outlets that came as part of the face. I’ve checked it with my voltmeter a few times, and it is surprisingly accurate.......

Offline Alaxy Galaxy

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #7 on: November 20, 2020, 01:41:41 PM »
I’ve checked it with my voltmeter a few times, and it is surprisingly accurate.......

Hah! I changed a car battery once because of a faulty Harbor Freight DMM...  :-\

Offline DesertKyorugi

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #8 on: November 20, 2020, 02:24:13 PM »
Here's mine with an on/off switch plus USB port
US '71 CB750K1 Stored for 39 years, currently running
US '71 CB750K1 Currently running
JDM '71 CB750K1 Stored for 21 years, currently running
US '70 CB750K0 Stored for 28 years, currently in restoration
US '70 CB750K0 Stored for 43 years, currently in restoration
US '70 CB750K0 Currently waiting to be restored
US '73 CB500K2 Stored for 40 years, currently running

Offline Flyin900

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #9 on: November 20, 2020, 02:43:07 PM »
Here's the same one as the second Aerostich item shown above and likely from the same area in China, available in a 3 pack. I purchased this listing months ago and they work well. I have been running this type of item for years on most of my bikes, as a device that indicates your voltage at idle through operational speeds.

Vendor is out of China and the quality is good for the price (very inexpensive) with no issues to report. eBay item number:122242343836

« Last Edit: November 20, 2020, 02:49:46 PM by Flyin900 »
Common sense.....isn't so common!

1966 CL77 - 305cc - Gentleman's Scrambler
1967 CL175K0 - Scrambler #802 engine
1972 CB350F - Candy Bacchus Olive - Super Sport
1973 CB350F - Flake Matador Red - Super Sport
1975 CB400F - Parakeet Yellow - Super Sport
1976 CB400F - Varnish Blue - Super Sport
1976 GL1000 - Goldwing Standard
1978 CB550K - Super Sport
1981 GL1100 - Goldwing Standard
1982 CM450A - Hondamatic
1982 CB900C - Custom
1983 CX650E - Eurosport
1983 CB1000C - Custom X 2 Bikes now - both restored
1983 CB1100F - Super Sport - Pristine example
1984 GL1200 - Goldwing Standard

Offline Deltarider

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #10 on: November 21, 2020, 01:48:57 AM »
... from the same area in China...
Would that be the area where they keep Uygurs at work? Not to start anything political, but I cannot for the world understand how inhabitants of the free world can order anything from China...
CB500K2-ED Excel black
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Offline PeWe

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #11 on: November 21, 2020, 02:48:22 AM »
Mine ordered from Belgium.
Most likely made in China ;D
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/223531707201
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline Flyin900

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #12 on: November 21, 2020, 06:27:24 AM »
Tomato or tomato buddy.... each to his own.
Common sense.....isn't so common!

1966 CL77 - 305cc - Gentleman's Scrambler
1967 CL175K0 - Scrambler #802 engine
1972 CB350F - Candy Bacchus Olive - Super Sport
1973 CB350F - Flake Matador Red - Super Sport
1975 CB400F - Parakeet Yellow - Super Sport
1976 CB400F - Varnish Blue - Super Sport
1976 GL1000 - Goldwing Standard
1978 CB550K - Super Sport
1981 GL1100 - Goldwing Standard
1982 CM450A - Hondamatic
1982 CB900C - Custom
1983 CX650E - Eurosport
1983 CB1000C - Custom X 2 Bikes now - both restored
1983 CB1100F - Super Sport - Pristine example
1984 GL1200 - Goldwing Standard

Offline grcamna2

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #13 on: November 21, 2020, 10:35:51 AM »
I did mount an inexpensive (EBay from China) gauge on my KLR650. It was a quick add on, through a hole in the dash. I really wanted the two phone/device charging outlets that came as part of the face. I’ve checked it with my voltmeter a few times, and it is surprisingly accurate.......

Do you have a link for it Benelli ?
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #14 on: November 23, 2020, 12:59:31 PM »
It was a while ago, and still working fine. The KLR has lots of flat area on the fairing plastic. I already had a power outlet (like a cigarette lighter with a rubber cap) so the wiring hook ups were close by. Nice, complete kit. I think this was it.
« Last Edit: November 23, 2020, 01:03:28 PM by BenelliSEI »

Offline Don R

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #15 on: November 23, 2020, 01:31:09 PM »
 I got a digital one off ebay, it has two charging ports for my cell phone and whatever, has a snap closed cover and looks like a lighter outlet.  It's in the windjammer on my gl but would work as well (better) in a small aluminum panel between the gauges.  Hard to read in the daytime though. The voltage drop through the old wiring and switches is noticeable with the headlamp on after a start. It does recover nicely while riding.
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
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Offline grcamna2

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #16 on: November 23, 2020, 02:27:07 PM »
It was a while ago, and still working fine. The KLR has lots of flat area on the fairing plastic. I already had a power outlet (like a cigarette lighter with a rubber cap) so the wiring hook ups were close by. Nice, complete kit. I think this was it.

Looks good,thanks  ;)
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline Prospect

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #17 on: November 26, 2020, 05:58:14 AM »
I've asked this on other threads but are you guys mounting these directly to the battery?  If there is no off switch then there is a constant draw on the battery. I recently bought one with an on/off switch for that reason.
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1957 Harley Davidson Panhead

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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #18 on: November 26, 2020, 06:50:52 AM »
Mine is on a fused feed tied into the main power lead after the key. So, switched.

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #19 on: November 26, 2020, 10:49:38 AM »
If more of you guys owned kawisaki, suzuki, and yamaha, you would realize how robust and dependable the honda charging system is...sure it has limitations but just ride and enjoy your 50 year old bike.
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline Prospect

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #20 on: November 26, 2020, 01:52:27 PM »
If more of you guys owned kawisaki, suzuki, and yamaha, you would realize how robust and dependable the honda charging system is...sure it has limitations but just ride and enjoy your 50 year old bike.

Valid point.  I owned an xt500 that had a charging system with a mind of it's own.  However, I'm only using a voltmeter because sometimes I run a heated jacket and gloves to extend the riding season before the unbearable sets in.  So far I've had zero problems running heated gear which evidently speaks to the robustness of the Honda charging circuit.
Current Bikes

1969 CB750  Sandcast #256
1971 CB750K1
1972 CB750K1
1975 CB400F
1975 GL1000 Goldwing
1954 Harley Davidson Panhead
1957 Harley Davidson Panhead

Toronto Canada

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #21 on: November 26, 2020, 10:59:45 PM »
I am adding some auxiliary lights to make the bike more visible during daytime and stand out at night, Amber lenses & bulbs...So, I like to keep tabs on the battery, plus I use a gps when in unfamiliar areas and will sometimes charge the phone...So, I am cautious. I too have a CX500 and learned it is good practice to know your battery health. Not overly worried about the CB, but just outfitting the bike with some auxiliary aids in keeping on top of things. Better to detect a problem before it strands you.
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline Trevor from Warragul

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #22 on: November 27, 2020, 03:40:24 AM »
Quote
Turns out I never needed a voltmeter and Honda was right judging we wouldn't need one.

Honda put a voltmeter on my CBX.  Turned out they were right again, as the alternator wears out brushes at an alarming rate!
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1972 Honda CB350F
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1997 Suzuki Bandit 1200
1999 Ducati Monster 750

Offline dave500

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #23 on: November 27, 2020, 02:30:02 PM »
ive run a VDO 50mm one for years,comes on with key.

Offline Prospect

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Re: Anyone running Voltmeter for our bikes?
« Reply #24 on: November 27, 2020, 03:53:56 PM »
Mine is on a fused feed tied into the main power lead after the key. So, switched.

Hey John, can you be a bit more specific as to where you connected it?
Current Bikes

1969 CB750  Sandcast #256
1971 CB750K1
1972 CB750K1
1975 CB400F
1975 GL1000 Goldwing
1954 Harley Davidson Panhead
1957 Harley Davidson Panhead

Toronto Canada