Topic: How do I check if my motorcycle battery is charging?

[tommygunxs]

I have an old nighthawk from 1983. A friend told me that is possibly to have a charging meter that can tell you if the motorcykle is chardging its battery. I wonder if something like this is a god idea to put on the motorcykle?


https://www.amazon.com/Okerny-Voltmeter-Waterproof-Vehicles-Motorcycle/dp/B0CPPF4SL9/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2ik8GclxZh7iEnz8CGXpNVfaKhAXdJiFEJFXTWw-vvt9bO-LdGTlJdpzOzyOgNHKnH_zZy7H0SwO0_04gwtr0TsL1dMnyOYLW8-9nN47gZIKLiyc-pxl8KGpfmgb2y54-6Xv2Hrs1svA5SopIwT3Tls3ijIGYwqUZhALq2Pml1KbaY-NSrUqsAIAmaAnHm7oTAntyTZlrXzeGK7cfPFKLFV1Z_WIV1_S7PQBGJ1XY_g.2sLGQe83xNs0-5lxbJs8ErZk3aHO8Q_ZZ-wBRt3JWZg&dib_tag=se&keywords=motorcycle%2Bvoltmeter&qid=1709130088&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

[MauiK3]

Many here have  similar devices
Or, you could just get a volt meter and see what voltage is at the battery when stopped, running at idle and running at higher rpm

[Deltarider]

You don't need anhthing special. Hold left hand in front of headlamp. Then rev with right hand and see if output of headlight increases. If so, all is well. If you must, you can do it every time you're waiting at a traffic light. In case you insist on playing with meters, then this: occasionally, say at the start of a new riding season, you may want to check using a voltmeter. Realise that when testing dynamically an analogue meter is easier to read than a digital one.

[willbird]

You don't need anhthing special. Hold left hand in front of headlamp. Then rev with right hand and see if output of headlight increases. If so, all is well. If you must, you can do it every time you're waiting at a traffic light. In case you insist on playing with meters, then this: occasionally, say at the start of a new riding season, you may want to check using a voltmeter. Realise that when testing dynamically an analogue meter is easier to read than a digital one.

The heaviest load on the system would be riding at redline with the brake light and one turn signal on I suppose :-). But idling with headlight and brake light on and turn signals on  is probably worst case for charging ?