Heated Clothing. what can the bike cope with?

[almightytomo]

I've got access to some heated clothing for this winter but don't want to knacker the battery or the bike!

How can I tell what the kit I can use? Is it wattage or amps I need to know about?

[lumpyv]

errrm that's a funny question

if its designed for motorbike use and the charging system on your bike is working as it should (battery not always going flat), it should be ok ?

watts are the units of power and amps refers to current.

[almightytomo]

errrm that's a funny question

if its designed for motorbike use and the charging system on your bike is working as it should (battery not always going flat), it should be ok ?

watts are the units of power and amps refers to current.

Thought it was a fairly straight forward question.

I know the difference between Amps and Volts but I'm also aware that you can't just load up the bike with electrical equipment as it depends on the charging system and the battery?

If the draw on the battery is greater than the charge the alternator provides then won't it just drain the battery?

[Wicky]

Wire in a voltmeter/ampmeter so you keep track of what's going on when accessories are switched on. And make sure your battery is in tip top condition, R/R is upgraded /mosfet and connections clean & secure before loading the system.

I've has heated grips on bike for a few years but lately, when I also run main light it struggles to all keep above 12V so I've gotta refurb the alternator as its output has degraded gradually.

[almightytomo]

That doesn't sound good as I was hoping to have Gloves, Jackets, Trousers and Socks all running off the battery!

AMP DRAW GUIDE
Gloves = 2.2 amp
Socks = 2.2 amp
Jacket = 6.9 amp
Pants = 4.0 amp

Total of 15.3 amps!

I used the same kit on a BMW K1300s and had no problems but am bothered about the VTR!

[Wicky]

It all depends on how healthy your system is as there some variation to even the same bikes - and degredation over the years. Run a multimeter over your system to see where your starting at before adding your cosy warmers.

My one puts out 12.5-13.5v (as measured by my voltmeter om battery) and with the headlight in (dip) it drops to just above 12v, then with grips on it drops to below 12v *eeek!* hence why I'm looking at replacing my alternator to try and get a better overall output.

note: Mosfet R/R and Eager Beaver headlight relay fitted.

[almightytomo]

Right then

Handbook says Generator is 0.280 kW = 280W

Headlight is 60/55W
Brake/ Tail light 21/5W
Turn Signal Front 21W
Turn Signal Rear 21W
Other bits approx 17W

Total = 140W

Spare is 140W assuming everything is working as new!!!!

All the heated kits adds up to 15.3 amps * 12v = 183.6W

So basically it doesn't add up even though its unlikely that I'd have all of the items on full power so jacket and Gloves it is!!!!

They add up to 8.7 amps = 105W at max heating levels.

Does anyone on hear agree or disagree with the above? Will be testing it this weekend!

[VTRDark]

You could always put a higher amperage battery on, that will hold a little more.

Other bits approx 17W

Total = 140W

Was that a guess or in the handbook too.

(:-})

[almightytomo]

All in the handbook. I'd have been miles out if I was guessing!