Member Contributer auggius Posted May 22, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted May 22, 2014 I am seeing 14.5V at idle, and throughout the rev range, with occasional sighting of 15V. At first I thought it was because I forgot to re-connect the headlights, but no it was still the same after. I installed a VFRness and new r/r from WMB last year. I ordered but did not install the stator. Do you think that 14.5V at idle is too high and a possible sign that the stator may be on its way out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer thtanner Posted May 22, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted May 22, 2014 14.5 at idle is OK, but you really don't want to see it breach 15 for extended periods of time, though. If it's a MOSFET variety, that would account for the higher than stock voltage. If it hovers at 14.7-15 most of the time, that's within acceptable ranges. Anything higher, though... I don't think its a sign of the stator going out, but possibly the R/R's inability to regulate it's output (if the voltage you are seeing is randomly higher than it's been in the past). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspanglish Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Manual says <15.5V at 5000 rpm WITH HI BEAMS ON. Although personally I'm with previous poster... more than 15 for extended periods may cook your battery. Could be the R/R is no longer regulating so well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer auggius Posted May 22, 2014 Author Member Contributer Share Posted May 22, 2014 It's a year old Ricks' r/r so I hope it's not going bad already, though I don't know if it's a mosfet type. Never saw it break 15V during the ride. It varied from 14.5V to 14.7V. I was just used to see it around 13.5V at idle and then rise to 14.5V at higher rpms. But if that's normal I'll just keep an eye on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer thtanner Posted May 22, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted May 22, 2014 It's a year old Ricks' r/r so I hope it's not going bad already, though I don't know if it's a mosfet type. Never saw it break 15V during the ride. It varied from 14.5V to 14.7V. I was just used to see it around 13.5V at idle and then rise to 14.5V at higher rpms. But if that's normal I'll just keep an eye on it. If it is the newer rick's type, it is a MOSFET. Mine idles @ 14.5 as well, but usually never breaches 15v @ higher RPMs. 14.5@ idle is awesome.. most bikes don't even charge @ idle. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soichiro Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 That's exactly what mine puts out with all new parts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNRabbit Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 FYI: if you're using one of the new Lithium batteries, it states to SPECIFICALLY charge them between 14 & 15 volts. it won't charge below 14 volts & over 15 volts presents a dangerous overcharge condition. I recently replaced my OEM 5th gen R/R with a MOSFET style from wiremybike.com & it charges 14.4-14.5 on the money from idle thru redlined RPM into a lithium ion battery. I'd keep an eye on it but don't sweat too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer auggius Posted May 23, 2014 Author Member Contributer Share Posted May 23, 2014 Thanks for the feedback all. I won't worry about it then. Just seemed odd because last year it was 13.5V at idle. I haven't done anything to the electrical system so thought maybe it was potential stator issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Boy Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 All is good. The small change in voltage could just as well be the meter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesmini080877 Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 I fitted a ricks MOSFET r/r and stator a year ago and mines at 14.3-14.7 from idle to redline so all is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspanglish Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 Do you wash your bike with a hi-pressure watergun?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer auggius Posted May 23, 2014 Author Member Contributer Share Posted May 23, 2014 Me? Heck no. I only wash it once (maybe twice) a year with a garden hose and bucket of soapy water. Why do you ask? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspanglish Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 Cause it is usually the cause of many electrical failures... connectors getting wet and then the gremlins start rearing their heads... your modus operandi sounds safe in this regard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer auggius Posted May 24, 2014 Author Member Contributer Share Posted May 24, 2014 Yes, and today it's back to 13.6V at idle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNRabbit Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 then you have a grounding issue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer thtanner Posted May 24, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted May 24, 2014 then you have a grounding issue Agreed. You should see 14+ at idle with a MOSFET regulator if everything is healthly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcrwt644 Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 stupid q...what is MOSFET vs a regular r/r? I've done some additional grounding wires like gll has stated and in the process of getting a vfrness. I'm at 14.0 at idle and 14.75 at 2500 and that is where it tops out at. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer auggius Posted May 26, 2014 Author Member Contributer Share Posted May 26, 2014 then you have a grounding issueHmmm, could be. I went on a long ride today to visit the folks and it would vary at idle from 12.8 to 13.5V. But at 5000+ rpm it was steady at 14.5V. Except for when I had my electric jacket at full heat, it was 13.5V at 5000+ but would eventually climb to 14.5V after 5 or 10 minutes. I guess I will check my grounds when I get back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer thtanner Posted May 26, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted May 26, 2014 stupid q...what is MOSFET vs a regular r/r? I've done some additional grounding wires like gll has stated and in the process of getting a vfrness. I'm at 14.0 at idle and 14.75 at 2500 and that is where it tops out at. Your voltages are awesome :) MOSFET is the technology used in the regulator. The old stock units are "shunt" style, while MOSFET is the "new" variety. A lot less heat is generated (usually). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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