is my battery too weak ? indicated from Kury battery gauge

[evodog]

Originally Posted by Romans5.8

Make sure your idle is set correctly. The owners manual calls for 950-1050 RPM's and I would guess the charging system requires something similar. Most people I've encountered with 900's or similar bikes seem to rev much lower than mine, and mine is sitting at 1,000 RPM's according to a tachometer. If it worries you, consider raising your idle (remember to let the engine warm up) until you get the solid green.

I wouldn't worry too much though. On many motorcycles (the 900 included) the battery is used at idle to cover the electrical demands of the bike (especially if you have ANY accessories). On the 900's, the Stator doesn't even get to it's full output until about 3000~4000 RPM's. And yes, it is a fairly weak stator (with only about 70 watts extra to go).

The new 1700's have pretty beefy electrical systems but that's probably among the first (besides some of the older nomads) to really have a serious electrical system. Just consider it a Vulcan quirk! But, yes, it's normal to be 'discharging' instead of 'charging' at idle. But, again, make sure your idle is set where it needs to be. Not just because of the battery, but also because the bike can starve for oil in certain spots without the idle being up where it needs to be.

I have a higher-wattage headlight than stock (100 watt high and I think 55 watt low). When my bike is at idle the high beam will dim slightly, or the low beam will dim if I turn the turn signals on. I've also got an aftermarket (Rick's) stator. Just the way the machine works I suppose!

-John

Is there anyway to check my idle rpm without a techo ? or only a shop can do it with some kind tester. i think my bike idle really slow. slower than my shadow 750.

[evodog]

Originally Posted by Bear2123

+1 on the engine idle. My 800 does the same thing. The low engine speed with the increased load from brake lamps and/or turn signals over taxes the changing system and the battery is doing what it is supposed to. Ride it. If in doubt get a battery tender and use it when ever the bike is idle more than a day or two.

haha, i already though about that, getting th battery tender tonight and will be here tusday afternoon.

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by evodog

Is there anyway to check my idle rpm without a techo ? or only a shop can do it with some kind tester. i think my bike idle really slow. slower than my shadow 750.

You can play this one by ear.
For what it is worth, someone told me once that you should be able to hear distinctly each firing but they will be slightly too fast to count them, then you have the right idle speed.
Seems to be about right on my bike and my tacho is reporting 980 rpms.
Gilles