Voltmeter within the speaker grill.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Miles
Jcamp, my experience with these GL-1800s is that there really is no "need" for a volt meter to be viewed while rididng. If you really want to install one, then by all means do so. It cannot hurt. And if it makes you feel more confident in how the bike is operating, that is good. I had issues with the charging syayems on the GL-1500's, and would sometimes run out of power (following a snow plow at 25 mph, with all gerbing heated clothing lit up, etc.) But the GL-1800's have such a larger alternator, that I have never found a need to worry about it. On the 2001 to 2005 models, it was an 1100 watt alternator. The 2006 to 2010 models had a 1300 watt alternator. And the 2nd gen 1800's, from 2012 and 2013 have a 1200 watt alternator. I did run a digital voltmeter on mty '03 Wing, and after spending a year watching the numbers always be in the 13.8 to 14.2 range, I decided to not install one on my '04 Wing or my '06 Wing.
I run a normal electronics load for a GL-1800. I aqm not into bling and silly cosmetic lighting, but I am into Heated Clothing, powerful driving lights, PIAA H-7 bulbs, etc, so it is about an equal load compared to the light parade crowd of bikes. I am really on top of my battery maintenance, keep terminals snug and protected, and my batteries last for 5+ years, so must be doing something right.
If you want a voltmeter, it is not a negative, but it is not really needed on a GL-1800, unless maybe you are towing a trailer with an electric cooler in it:icon_wink:
If you do decide to install a voltmeter, I think the digital ones that install behind the speaker grill are best. You can see the digital readout, it is hidden from most weather, and it does not incumber the dash.
Who has a kit/installation instructions for this voltmeter? Thank you!
Lucas... In Phoenix, AZ