Voltage reading??

[Golfman]

I just had to change the battery in  my '09 StreetGlide. The engine seems to even run better; but I noticed that the voltmeter guage in the faring seems to be running slightly higher than with the old battery. I would think it would be the opposite. It is running right on, or maybe a tad over, 14. Logically that seems like an OK number to charge a 12 volt battery, but I don't think it was quite that high before I replaced the battery. What do you think about that??

[Pilgrim]

The gauge ought to read at or below 12v with the engine off = no charging going on.

Engine running = charging with up to 14v showing (on my meter, anyway.)

Pilgrim

[truck]

Mine shows 14 volts and has for years and years. So I think you're good.

[slypig]

Don't know the accuracy of your meter.  You may want to check it against a meter that is known to be accurate.  You may occasionally see near 15 volts when running down the highway.  Any more than that will eventually fry the battery and some accessories.  Normal charging voltage range should be between 13.0V and 14.5V.  with engine running above idle speed. This will depend upon the state of charge on the battery, what accessories are on and the engine RPM.  You have me wondering if there is a problem with your charging system.  It is a little unusual to have to replace a battery so soon on a '09 bike.

Good luck

[truck]

http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/0139.pdf

Check page 9.

[Golfman]

"You have me wondering if there is a problem with your charging system.  It is a little unusual to have to replace a battery so soon on a '09 bike."

The Bike was purchased in Oct.13 of '08, so 3 years ago yesterday; and has 26,000 miles on it. I have the two hi-intensity fog lamps installed on the fron, a Garmin Zumo 550 GPS and a Bright Ass taillight, other than that, no extra load. The old battery didn't die, but was cranking with a strain. It was checked at 175 cranking amps. I think the voltage gauge was usually reading about 13.6 when that one was running - this battery is between 14 qnd 14.1 on the same gauge.

[harleyjt]

Mine runs a tad over 14v.  But, those gauges aren't all that accurate anyway.  Dash gauges on your bike as well as those in your car or truck are not precision instruments, they are only indicators.  And the whole idea is consistency.  If the reading changes, then something might be going on.  But if the readings remain consistent, then you should be good.
jt

[kik]

Mine runs a tad over 14v.  But, those gauges aren't all that accurate anyway.  Dash gauges on your bike as well as those in your car or truck are not precision instruments, they are only indicators.  And the whole idea is consistency.  If the reading changes, then something might be going on.  But if the readings remain consistent, then you should be good.
jt

When mines at idle it will always read about 11.5 and at speed it will always be at around 14.3 I just use it as an indicator. Everytime I put my VOM on to check it runs at 12.5 idle and 14.7 at about 2000 rpm.

[slypig]

"You have me wondering if there is a problem with your charging system.  It is a little unusual to have to replace a battery so soon on a '09 bike."

The Bike was purchased in Oct.13 of '08, so 3 years ago yesterday; and has 26,000 miles on it. I have the two hi-intensity fog lamps installed on the fron, a Garmin Zumo 550 GPS and a Bright Ass taillight, other than that, no extra load. The old battery didn't die, but was cranking with a strain. It was checked at 175 cranking amps. I think the voltage gauge was usually reading about 13.6 when that one was running - this battery is between 14 qnd 14.1 on the same gauge.

Sounds like u r good to go.  The difference in charging voltage could be due to a slightly different internal resistance of the new battery.  I'll bet it will go back to the 13.6V in a month or so.

[Golfman]

I appreciate all the info. I thought it was OK, but wanted to check ,as I'm getting ready to take a trip to Central FL