Never noticed this before ?.

Got any questions about the BMW's R1200RT/R1250RT's onboard audio, Bluetooth or the Electrical system?
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Never noticed this before ?.

Post by Our Gee »

During a ride out this morning the Air Temperature was only about 7 degrees so about 5 miles into the ride I flicked on the Grip Heaters to the first position. Just after that I accelerated down a Slip Road to join a major road. As I switched on the Right Turn indicator to indicate I was joining the major road I distinctly noticed that the "Repeater" arrows on the Instrument Display was quite dim. A few miles further on I switched off the Grip Heat and tried the Turn Indicators again which now showed up as bright as normal.
I stopped for Breakfast 30 miles later and after about an hour the Bike started fine. When I arrived back home I checked the Battery Voltage at 12.8V.
Engine Off.
As I say I have never noticed this before. Any Comments ?.
Last edited by Our Gee on Mon Apr 22, 2024 4:22 am, edited 1 time in total.
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David.
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Re: Never noticed this before ?.

Post by David. »

With the engine running at a fast idle speed, what is the battery voltage.
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Re: Never noticed this before ?.

Post by Our Gee »

Morning David,
I will give that a try later.

Up-Date as follows.
Battery Voltage after standing overnight. 12.7 v.
Engine running at fast tickover 13.75 v.
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Re: Never noticed this before ?.

Post by David. »

Our Gee wrote: Mon Apr 22, 2024 7:57 amEngine running at fast tick over 13.75 v.
The Haynes manual says 13 to 15 volts. It would be interesting the check another Camhead RT.
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Re: Never noticed this before ?.

Post by Our Gee »

David. wrote: Mon Apr 22, 2024 5:40 pm The Haynes manual says 13 to 15 volts. It would be interesting the check another Camhead RT.
Sounds like a plan. Give it a go please.
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Re: Never noticed this before ?.

Post by David. »

Hi Michael, just pop round together with your meter, David.
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Re: Never noticed this before ?.

Post by David. »

For the record and future reference, battery voltage checks were completed today.
The battery was fully charged and allowed to rest before performing any tests.

1) Resting voltage with ignition off = 12.37 V. (This may be a little low).
2) Battery charger connected and the voltage rose to 13.56 V.
3) Battery charger disconnected and ignition on = 11.69 V. (Parking and tail lights on).
4) Starting the engine and the voltage dropped to a minimum of 8.70 V.
(Although the engine started easily, this is getting low and a sign that a new battery may soon be required).
5) At idle with the headlights on (x3) the voltage was 13.75 V.

With the heated grips on high, the voltage remained at 13.75 V.
As expected with the hazard lights on, the voltage fluctuated in time with the bulbs flashing.

With the voltage remaining stable at 13.75 V., this shows that the alternator and regulator/rectifier are working correctly.
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Re: Never noticed this before ?.

Post by Doctor T »

At fast idle my 07 settles at 14.2V
Headlights, heated grips,both seats the Volts sit at 13.8.
The battery was replaced 3 years ago.
The bike when not used for over 3 weeks goes on a Oxford charger
Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.
"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light". Groucho Marx
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Re: Never noticed this before ?.

Post by Doctor T »

David. wrote: Wed Apr 24, 2024 3:46 pm For the record and future reference, battery voltage checks were completed today.
The battery was fully charged and allowed to rest before performing any tests.

1) Resting voltage with ignition off = 12.37 V. (This may be a little low).
2) Battery charger connected and the voltage rose to 13.56 V.
3) Battery charger disconnected and ignition on = 11.69 V. (Parking and tail lights on).
4) Starting the engine and the voltage dropped to a minimum of 8.70 V.
(Although the engine started easily, this is getting low and a sign that a new battery may soon be required).
5) At idle with the headlights on (x3) the voltage was 13.75 V.

With the heated grips on high, the voltage remained at 13.75 V.
As expected with the hazard lights on, the voltage fluctuated in time with the bulbs flashing.

With the voltage remaining stable at 13.75 V., this shows that the alternator and regulator/rectifier are working correctly.
Number 4 is a bit low.
Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.
"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light". Groucho Marx
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Re: Never noticed this before ?.

Post by David. »

When cranking the engine to start, Yuasa recommend a minimum of 9.5 V. Meanwhile, I'll just keep an eye on it and carry some jump leads. Got BMW Roadside Assistance and breakdown cover with my insurance too.
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