How Necessary Is A Voltmeter?

[Maddog Hoek]

I use my passport 8500x50. It saves me from being stranded in many ways... Most of the recent Escort radar detectors give voltage readings. I put it up in the rain but I can keep it plugged in and it will give me an audible reading if the voltage where to go too low. I don't use it for that purpose in the rain. I just like that it still has decent detectability even in my tankbag.

[enzed_viffer]

I've installed one of the multi function meters, it has a bunch of stuff I don't need but does have a good digital volt readout. http://www.compacc.com/p.cfm/c/1520008/p/19348

So what is the minimum volts the vfr needs to charge the battery? It seems when I'm running "normal" its at 13.8, when I have my heated vest its around 13.6. I'm about to add heated grips and pants.

That's similar in size and functions to the one I had on my VTR.

As for voltage, your bike should be running at around 14.5-14.8 at 5k rpm. Below that, it depends on the state of your battery - my old battery resulted in a reading of 14.8 almost from idle, but the new one's fully charged so the extra volts don't kick in until the revs rise. (My R/R has the monitor wire - some older ones don't have this, so they may regulate voltage slightly differently).

Do you have a GPS on the bike? Some of those contain a voltmeter.

No. I do have one I've used on the bike, but it doesn't have a voltage reading on it.

I seem to remember a pic of a yellow 5th Gen VFR with a Honda marine analog voltmeter on the left fairing. It looked very nice and was fairly cheap too. Keithbob I think.

I found some Mrkn made voltmeter here at a local marine store - can't remember the brand, but it was not dissimilar to the Honda one. Cheaper too than any other voltmeters I've looked at, apart from the simple kits with a bi-colour LED. However (but!) although the install of the Honda one looked very tidy, that location's not ideal for easy viewing of the zolts, so I'm not about to get one and cut a hole in my fairing. Similarly, all the other gauges (and the 5th-gen dashboard) don't lend themselves to easy mounting in a position where it's easy to see while riding.

I'm still undecided, but it's going to be either nothing, the smallest Lascar or Datel I can find, or one like the unit I had fitted to the VTR. The latter would mount relatively easily right on top of the dash (it was suction-cupped under the windscreen on the VTR), but one of the others would require some creative thinking.

[Tightwad]

Not required, but I wouldn't ride without one.....

I prefer the Datel 3 digit meter (ie 13.6 not 13.65 reading).

For those who want a smaller less conspicuous meter, I really like the panel mount Status indicator.

This ones turns red when voltage goes above or below the value you determine and program in...Perfect for cases where you have a bike like the TDM mentioned above.

The Datel meter is not cheap, but it is water resistant and bright enough to be seen in all but direct sunlight, but doesn't shine too much at night (IMO).

[Macs06VFR]

I'm probably going to mount mine immediately to the left (or right) if the ignition key with some Dual Loc. If I like the location, and it's somewhat protected from the rain, I'll leave it there, maybe with some 3M VHB tape.

I'd like it on the dash more, but don't want to cut into the plastics if I really don't have to.

Good luck whichever way you go.

[FotoMoto]

I found some Mrkn made voltmeter here at a local marine store - can't remember the brand, but it was not dissimilar to the Honda one. Cheaper too than any other voltmeters I've looked at, apart from the simple kits with a bi-colour LED.

This is a marine grade unit I installed on the RCBVFR. I chose this particular one as it matched the KOSO gauges

and the replacement CBR unit very well.

Later, after swapping in an entire RC51 front end, I needed more room for left turn lock and replaced it with a smaller datel (in the background, just to the right of the master cylinder reservoir):

[turtlecreek]

Well I found it helps to use a simple volt monitor, I have a led model - one led that blinks green, solid green, yellow, red, and blinks red for low voltage. It helps to know when your bike needs troubleshooting and maintence. You get very used to the solid dull green color of a good charge, then when it changes color like when its ideling or the engine is off you notice it right away. It gets your attention when it changes color the intensity goes up and you have time to react to it, find a place to pull into or turn around and head home.

http://www.signaldynamics.com/products/Modules/HUVM.asp

I saw this post. I had a LASCAR and it died in a HURRICANE RAIN BR and I got caught in, so no complaints.....I bought another, but lost it in a move. So, I decided to go with this signaldynamics and got it today, 2 days after I ordered it. That is the easiest and simplest one I have seen.

Since I already had a relay from my VFRHARNESS, it will literally take me more time to pull the fairing then it will to install it....A+ design.

[Guest]

Well I found it helps to use a simple volt monitor, I have a led model - one led that blinks green, solid green, yellow, red, and blinks red for low voltage. It helps to know when your bike needs troubleshooting and maintence. You get very used to the solid dull green color of a good charge, then when it changes color like when its ideling or the engine is off you notice it right away. It gets your attention when it changes color the intensity goes up and you have time to react to it, find a place to pull into or turn around and head home.

http://www.signaldynamics.com/products/Modules/HUVM.asp

This may be a stupid question, but does this hook up directly to the battery? If so, is there any concern with it draining the battery? Probably not a huge deal anyways as I usually hook my bike to a battery tender if not riding for more than a couple of days, but just curious.

I kind of like this over the Datel because of the price and the more "visual" alert. I have a feeling I would not look at the actual reading from the Datel meter until it was too late.

Thanks!

[dutchinterceptor]

Well I found it helps to use a simple volt monitor, I have a led model - one led that blinks green, solid green, yellow, red, and blinks red for low voltage. It helps to know when your bike needs troubleshooting and maintence. You get very used to the solid dull green color of a good charge, then when it changes color like when its ideling or the engine is off you notice it right away. It gets your attention when it changes color the intensity goes up and you have time to react to it, find a place to pull into or turn around and head home.

http://www.signaldynamics.com/products/Modules/HUVM.asp

This may be a stupid question, but does this hook up directly to the battery? If so, is there any concern with it draining the battery? Probably not a huge deal anyways as I usually hook my bike to a battery tender if not riding for more than a couple of days, but just curious.

I kind of like this over the Datel because of the price and the more "visual" alert. I have a feeling I would not look at the actual reading from the Datel meter until it was too late.

Thanks!

You may not want to run it direct since the led would be on 24/7. Tapping into another circuit that's switched would be better.

[Tightwad]

Well I found it helps to use a simple volt monitor, I have a led model - one led that blinks green, solid green, yellow, red, and blinks red for low voltage. It helps to know when your bike needs troubleshooting and maintence. You get very used to the solid dull green color of a good charge, then when it changes color like when its ideling or the engine is off you notice it right away. It gets your attention when it changes color the intensity goes up and you have time to react to it, find a place to pull into or turn around and head home.

http://www.signaldynamics.com/products/Modules/HUVM.asp

This may be a stupid question, but does this hook up directly to the battery? If so, is there any concern with it draining the battery? Probably not a huge deal anyways as I usually hook my bike to a battery tender if not riding for more than a couple of days, but just curious.

I kind of like this over the Datel because of the price and the more "visual" alert. I have a feeling I would not look at the actual reading from the Datel meter until it was too late.

Thanks!

You may not want to run it direct since the led would be on 24/7. Tapping into another circuit that's switched would be better.

The BEST would be on a dedicated switched circuit...tapping into a taillight wire will mean you are measuring a voltage drop, not actual battery voltage. Probably won't affect most people, but I like precise readings...of course I had one short out and read 18...then 21...then 23 volts...that was embarrassing!

[superfunkomatic]

If you install the OEM heated grips they come with a 'voltmeter.'

The light will flash if your battery is weak or not recharging properly.

I'm not sure what good a voltmeter will do when you're out in the boonies and your electrical system acts up - at least when you're stranded you'll know why

I seem to remember a pic of a yellow 5th Gen VFR with a Honda marine analog voltmeter on the left fairing. It looked very nice and was fairly cheap too. Keithbob I think.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/lofiver...php/t53545.html

Just saying.

You guys are getting me to think, since I'm thinking about keeping that VFR, maybe I should install one too (and beef them up wires maybe), but I'd like a simple/cheap digital reading.

I also need to install heated grips, and the new integrated mirrors, so it looks like I'll be doing a lot of electrical work over the winter, and this is not even my bag... Oh yeah, I also need to fix the O2 sensors on mine, they are defective and they trigger the FI light. Sigh. Oh well, I guess that's what heated garages are for in the winter right?

C

[SLO97VFR]

Not required, but I wouldn't ride without one.....

I prefer the Datel 3 digit meter (ie 13.6 not 13.65 reading).

For those who want a smaller less conspicuous meter, I really like the panel mount Status indicator.

This ones turns red when voltage goes above or below the value you determine and program in...Perfect for cases where you have a bike like the TDM mentioned above.

The Datel meter is not cheap, but it is water resistant and bright enough to be seen in all but direct sunlight, but doesn't shine too much at night (IMO).

You mean yours was not OEM with a Datel meter? :P

[Guest]

Not required, but I wouldn't ride without one.....

I prefer the Datel 3 digit meter (ie 13.6 not 13.65 reading).

For those who want a smaller less conspicuous meter, I really like the panel mount Status indicator.

This ones turns red when voltage goes above or below the value you determine and program in...Perfect for cases where you have a bike like the TDM mentioned above.

The Datel meter is not cheap, but it is water resistant and bright enough to be seen in all but direct sunlight, but doesn't shine too much at night (IMO).

You mean yours was not OEM with a Datel meter? :P

I second (or 3rd, 4th)the Datel meter. I want to know specifics. Here's where I mounted mine.

[Terminex]

Not sure, but I just ordered a one of these today.

http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=BOVOLT

I'm doing a lot of wiring on the bike while my wife is on bed rest, so i figure that I'd put that on there. I'd rather have a meter that gives a numerical read out, but I like the signal LED for it's small mounting area.

I've had an R/R go out on a '94 and my '06 is rock solid, minus the time that I left the key on and killed the battery.

I am using my radar detector on the VFR (when there are no radar / alser alerts it displays the current voltage)

I needed something for my new CBR100RR, and got the one you recommended, and I love it. easy to install, takes up almost no space (something that is in SHORT supply on this bike:-) and works like a champ.

I was worried as I installed grip heaters on both bikes a week ago, and with the other toys I have on both bikes, wanted to ensure I don't get stranded anywhere.

Thanks!

[Guest]

Just picked up one of these from ebay for $12. It's small, but quite readable, and comes in a lighter plug housing. I figured it would make an inexpensive alternative to the Datel. Now to figure out where (and how) to mount it...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RED-DIGITAL-LED-12V-CAR-AUDIO-VOLTMETER-VOLTAGE-GAUGE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5ad01502ecQQitemZ390038094572QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[Tightwad]

Mounting might be tough, but no reason it wouldn't work.

[swimmer]

Just picked up one of these from ebay for $12. It's small, but quite readable, and comes in a lighter plug housing. I figured it would make an inexpensive alternative to the Datel. Now to figure out where (and how) to mount it...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RED-DIGITAL-LED-12V-CAR-AUDIO-VOLTMETER-VOLTAGE-GAUGE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5ad01502ecQQitemZ390038094572QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Being ultra-cheap myself I just bought one. Thanks for the heads up. I imagine it will have to be sealed rather well to be as weather proof as some of the other options.

[kaldek]

Well I found it helps to use a simple volt monitor, I have a led model - one led that blinks green, solid green, yellow, red, and blinks red for low voltage. It helps to know when your bike needs troubleshooting and maintence. You get very used to the solid dull green color of a good charge, then when it changes color like when its ideling or the engine is off you notice it right away. It gets your attention when it changes color the intensity goes up and you have time to react to it, find a place to pull into or turn around and head home.

This may be a stupid question, but does this hook up directly to the battery? If so, is there any concern with it draining the battery? Probably not a huge deal anyways as I usually hook my bike to a battery tender if not riding for more than a couple of days, but just curious.

I kind of like this over the Datel because of the price and the more "visual" alert. I have a feeling I would not look at the actual reading from the Datel meter until it was too late.

Thanks!

You may not want to run it direct since the led would be on 24/7. Tapping into another circuit that's switched would be better.

The BEST would be on a dedicated switched circuit...tapping into a taillight wire will mean you are measuring a voltage drop, not actual battery voltage. Probably won't affect most people, but I like precise readings...of course I had one short out and read 18...then 21...then 23 volts...that was embarrassing!

I have the Signal Dynamics HUVM, and I figured this would also be a problem. So, here's what I did:

1. Buy a relay

2. Hook the voltage monitor to the relay on the positive terminal and the battery on the negative terminal

3. Hook the switching pole of the relay to the tail light positive wire.

This way, my HUVM only activates when the bike is on and is getting voltage directly off the battery. I don't have pics handy, but I mounted my relay to the space on the right-side of the bike (opposite the battery) by using a zip-tie. Not sure if ABS bikes have any space here though!

[Guest]

Just picked up one of these from ebay for $12. It's small, but quite readable, and comes in a lighter plug housing. I figured it would make an inexpensive alternative to the Datel. Now to figure out where (and how) to mount it...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RED-DIGITAL-LED-12V-CAR-AUDIO-VOLTMETER-VOLTAGE-GAUGE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5ad01502ecQQitemZ390038094572QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

It looks like this meter is going to need one of those red led lens filters in order to see it well in the daytime. It doesn't come with one, but I stole one from something else and it makes a big difference. Shouldn't be too hard to find another.

This is without the filter, 14.62V.

[Guest]

Tightwad:

You are the electrical wizard on this site - got a question. If the battery is being charged at 14.6 or so volts, does that mean all of my accessories/lights/electrical stuff is also getting 14.6 volts? I have one of your nifty little fuse panels and I wanted to run my voltmeter through it. Will I be getting an accurate reading or does it need to come straight off the battery?

Pete

[Guest]

This was important information to have so I would know to park on or close to a slope when getting gas or stopping for some other purpose so I could then bump-start my bike without anyone else's assistance.

Didn't I read in another thread on this forum that the 6th gen's ignition is wired in such a way that they can't be bump started? Or, was that just an acid flashback?

[Auspanglish]

This was important information to have so I would know to park on or close to a slope when getting gas or stopping for some other purpose so I could then bump-start my bike without anyone else's assistance.

Didn't I read in another thread on this forum that the 6th gen's ignition is wired in such a way that they can't be bump started? Or, was that just an acid flashback?

Brain fart... it can be done, at least my '03 can... :fing02:

I would really like to install a voltmeter but can never decide which one and where to install it... so based on a comment up-thread, can I use the relay from the VFRness to tap a voltmeter in and get a switched, accurate read-out?? If so, how? (explanations for idiots please).

[BonusVFR]

I think voltmeters are a nice add on and can save some aggravation especially when you start adding electrical dodads and like to get the last mile out of batteries. I have installed idiot lights, digital and analog meters on my bikes. All go to a fuse box which is switched.

VFR from Electrical Connection ....idiot light. As I remember this red indicator was at idle with stock brights on and grips on high!!!!!

KLR multimeter. Sold in quite a few places.........has switched and unswitched connectors........not waterproof. Lots of other readings too.

For my Wing from Electrical Connection ...1.5 inch analog meter.........my favorite but would have to find a place on the vfr.

[Tightwad]

Tightwad:

You are the electrical wizard on this site - got a question. If the battery is being charged at 14.6 or so volts, does that mean all of my accessories/lights/electrical stuff is also getting 14.6 volts? I have one of your nifty little fuse panels and I wanted to run my voltmeter through it. Will I be getting an accurate reading or does it need to come straight off the battery?

Pete

Pete,

Yes, if you read 14.6 then all accessories should be getting 14.6 if hooked to the same source as your reading is being taken from. Accessories powered from another source might have a voltage drop.

This was important information to have so I would know to park on or close to a slope when getting gas or stopping for some other purpose so I could then bump-start my bike without anyone else's assistance.

Didn't I read in another thread on this forum that the 6th gen's ignition is wired in such a way that they can't be bump started? Or, was that just an acid flashback?

Brain fart... it can be done, at least my '03 can... :fing02:

I would really like to install a voltmeter but can never decide which one and where to install it... so based on a comment up-thread, can I use the relay from the VFRness to tap a voltmeter in and get a switched, accurate read-out?? If so, how? (explanations for idiots please).

I love my Datel Meter...let me know if you need one (I have Red and Blue on hand)...I put mine in the side pod. I considered buying some side pods and selling them installed there even, but that is a bunch of work to get it right, and a lot of color options. You can use the relay from the VFRness...if you bought the regular version it has a short purple wire for something like that, if you bought the Bundled Version then you can just use the fuse panel...it offers battery level power so the reading will be accurate.

[wasmeneh]

I had one of the signal dynamic led voltmeters fail after about 3 months. I put one of the Kurykan LED Gauges in. Hop it lasts longer.

[swimmer]

Just picked up one of these from ebay for $12. It's small, but quite readable, and comes in a lighter plug housing. I figured it would make an inexpensive alternative to the Datel. Now to figure out where (and how) to mount it...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RED-DIGITAL-LED-12V-CAR-AUDIO-VOLTMETER-VOLTAGE-GAUGE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5ad01502ecQQitemZ390038094572QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Being ultra-cheap myself I just bought one. Thanks for the heads up. I imagine it will have to be sealed rather well to be as weather proof as some of the other options.

Well I received this cheap meter a couple of weeks ago. Got it mounted yesterday. Prior to doing that I ran it for a day using a DC power supply that I set to 14VDC. It was steady/accurate all day.

I did one errand trip this morning. Meter worked fine. Read about 14.5 volts while cruising. Went for another errand trip this afternoon. Upon start up the meter was reading low. I thought that now I had gotten some sort of charging problem. I checked the terminals on the back of the meter and the voltage was fine. I continued my trip and the voltage display continued to drop until it now just reads zero. So this meter, IMO, is a POS. I mounted it in a way that would put no stress on the wires, sealed, etc... and all that appears fine. It just died. Since I've got the wires run I'll just go ahead and order one of the datel meters.