Install a voltmeter

[DJDixon]

It's even more fun to wire electrical items when you have a Can-Bus system (like my BMW). The bike has no fuses - at all. Everything is controlled by the computer. Weird, still getting used to it...

 

[sky.high]

I also installed one of these on my adv bike, it displays volts and amps alternately , all I wanted was a USB so for me its a bonus, now I cannot stop looking at it LOL

Quick Charge 3.0 USB Charger Socket, ADSDIA 12V/24V 36W Aluminum Waterproof Dual QC3.0 Car Charger Power Adapter Outlet with LED Display for Car Boat Marine Motorcycle Scooter RV Golf Cart DIY Kit : Amazon.ca: Everything Else

Quick Charge 3.0 USB Charger Socket, ADSDIA 12V/24V 36W Aluminum Waterproof Dual QC3.0 Car Charger Power Adapter Outlet with LED Display for Car Boat Marine Motorcycle Scooter RV Golf Cart DIY Kit : Amazon.ca: Everything Else

www.amazon.ca

 

[ST Gui]

FM*

*No Static at All?

 

[Sadlsor]

*Freaking Magic

 

[Arellcat]

I had a Gammatronix monitor permanently wired to my VTR1000F battery; as a bike I wasn't using frequently, the always-on monitor allowed me to see when a trickle charge was needed, and it changed modes when riding to check the charging voltage.

https://gammatronixltd.com/epages/b...b6-4572-89a1-e89006e78fbe/Products/BIKE-E-12V

I have been planning to add a voltmeter to my bike (and my other bike!), and am glad to see something like this. Reading numbers on a meter is all very well but a 'go no-go gauge' for voltage to me feels more intuitive and easily understood. But, if it's programmed to go from green to flashing green at 13.2V*, is that too low a threshold for the ST1300? As in, is the flashing likely to be the default mode?

Edit: Gammatronix's page says:

Off	Less than 11.5V
Red (blinking)	11.5 – 11.8V
Yellow (blinking)	11.8 – 12.1V
Green (blinking)	12.1 – 12.5V
Green (constant, normal usage)	12.5 – 13.2V
Green/Red (flashing, excessively high voltage)	15.0V and above

I've asked them to clarify the green/red threshold voltage and will edit again when I hear back. [Edit #2 - they replied within 30 minutes!]

 

[mello dude]

Not a fan of the red/green/yellow light type of voltmeters. Some can still be green sub 13V and if that is at better than idle RPM, chances are your charging system or battery has an issue.
As previously posted, there are 50ish choices of digital meters. Wire directly to the battery, with an inline fuse on POS side and switch. Prefer that way as to check battery status, before any start up.
Recent update install on a VFR.

 

[motornut]

A Go - NoGo gauge would be an amp meter like was put in older autos, which showed either the alternator producing more than load required or discharging from battery to support the excess load.
The voltmeter does very similar readings by either above or below normal battery readings and gives you more information on the health of your charging system.
For instance on a weak charging system you will get a lower voltage reading when unloaded and really low when loaded. I have seen this when a diode starts to fail, but charging still produces enough to keep battery charged. Where its shows its colors is mostly when the battery discharges overnight but keeps charged during day when in more use. Frequently the battery is blamed for not holding charge when it is being discharged by the failed diode overnight.
One benefit from the red-amber-green system is you don't have to "read" it, I like as few dash board distractions as possible, but the numbers are something I would prefer. Yes I contradict myself there.

 

[Flexit]

Well I'm a simpleton and just have an older version of this on both bikes. Gives me enough information

 

[dduelin]

I have been planning to add a voltmeter to my bike (and my other bike!), and am glad to see something like this. Reading numbers on a meter is all very well but a 'go no-go gauge' for voltage to me feels more intuitive and easily understood. But, if it's programmed to go from green to flashing green at 13.2V, is that too low a threshold for the ST1300? As in, is the flashing likely to be the default mode?

In normal operation with the engine on it should be slow flashing green. A slow flash has never been a distraction and I have installed various brands (Clearwater, Signal Dynamics, no-name Amazon) of these LED voltage monitors on my bikes. As I posted earlier in this thread, I am a fan of this type. They take up very little real estate and couldn't be more flexible in mounting locations. You want it solid green with key on and engine off and flashing after engine start up to indicate the alternator has ramped up system voltage to normal running values.