Revving brightens lights

[Rob S.]

I haven't had any problems with the charging system in the 6 years I've owned the GS, but I've also never noticed this before. The bike was sitting at idle, and when I goosed the throttle, the headlight got brighter.

It seemed proper to me, indicating the charging system is working. There was nothing wrong with the lights at idle, they just got brighter when revved.

I don't have a meter and I won't be doing any testing, but is this good and proper?

It's a brand new Yuasa AGM that I keep fully charged.

 

[Brendan W]

At idle you have something like 12.8 - 13.1 depending on the load. As soon as you increase motor speed the voltage goes up and with it the brightness.
It should then cut off at a few thousand rpm and stop increasing in brightness at something like 14.2 or thereabouts.
It's a standard check for me before and after almost every ride.
Get a meter. Reasonable quality can be got for less than twenty. Removes a whole lot of guesswork.

 

[Who Dat?]

I don't have a meter and I won't be doing any testing, ...

Get a meter.

Brendan, you don't understand. Watching his posts over the years, I have noticed:
1. he lives in New York City.
2. he has posted that he likes to do about 100 mph just about every time he goes out.
3. he takes every little problem to his mechanic.

 

[Brendan W]

Brendan, you don't understand. Watching his posts over the years, I have noticed:
1. he lives in New York City.
2. he has posted that he likes to do about 100 mph just about every time he goes out.
3. he takes every little problem to his mechanic.

No, I get the whole riders and fixers tribes thing.
See it in boats, cars and planes.
One end says get a meter and polish, the other says get out and ride and ne'er the twain shall meet

 

[Downs]

Pretty common on older bikes. Newer bikes tend to have more robust charging systems. The old wiring doesnt help either.

 

[Redman]

.............. indicating the charging system is working. ..............
.

Yes.
THe charging system doesnt put out much at idle, so at idle the lights are operating at battery voltage, say 12 point something low.
WHen rev the engine, then the charging system is putting out something, so the voltage is then, say 13 point something high.

You have discovered a quick easy way to somewhat check the charging system every time you ride. Look at light shining on garage wall, or your reflection in car/truck ahead of you at a stop light or in a parking lot. Doesnt tell you every thing you need to know, but you will know the charging system is functioning as opposed to complelty failed.

I don't have a meter ..................

You have a bike from the 80s, you could benifit from having a meter.
You have a 80s GS. You will need a meter at some point.

 

[Redman]

. . . . . . but I've also never noticed this before. .
.

Good to see that you are taking an interest in such.

 

[Guest]

I haven't had any problems with the charging system in the 6 years I've owned the GS, but I've also never noticed this before. The bike was sitting at idle, and when I goosed the throttle, the headlight got brighter.

It seemed proper to me, indicating the charging system is working. There was nothing wrong with the lights at idle, they just got brighter when revved.

I don't have a meter and I won't be doing any testing, but is this good and proper?

It's a brand new Yuasa AGM that I keep fully charged.

your headlight gets brighter, too bad you don't

your question is pointless and cannot be answered, but you know that already.
the only thing that can be said about your dumb post is your post count goes up by one. (unless you delete it)
you can rephrase and ask it over an over again, or just wait, somebody will be along to tell you everything is ok, (it ain't broke), then you can continue to post more 2nd and 3rd hand advice about stuff which you are clueless about....
....do something,

 

[Rob S.]

Brendan, you don't understand. Watching his posts over the years, I have noticed:
1. he lives in New York City.
2. he has posted that he likes to do about 100 mph just about every time he goes out.
3. he takes every little problem to his mechanic.

1. I live in NYC because the TV reception is so good and I like ethanol.

2. As the GS and I age, 100 doesn't happen every time.

3. My mechanic is a long train ride, then a 3 mile walk from the city.

No offense taken or intended - nothing wrong with good natured ribbing. I noticed your signature - you live near the edge by obeying speed limits?

 

[Who Dat?]

I noticed your signature - you live near the edge by obeying speed limits?

Always.

3.0 x 10^8 m/s. It's not just a good idea, ... IT'S THE LAW.

 

[Charlie G]

I don't have a meter and I won't be doing any testing,

You lost me with this......

 

[Rob S.]

It ain't broke.

 

[Steve]

It may not be broke, but when you posted that, you didn't know, and said you weren't going to find out.

I am sort of surprised that you got <any> responses.

.

 

[bwringer]

derwood, you seem tense.

 

[Guest]

lelz, feels like it's february around here....sheesh...

derwood, you seem tense.