permanent voltmeter

[alehman]

Any of you guys thought of putting/have already put a digital voltmeter onto these bikes to monitor the charging system? If so, what's a good brand to buy?

[Piute]

http://honda-cb750-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/template/NamlServlet.jtp?macro=search_page&node=456789&query=voltmeter&days=0

[sgtslag]

Piute is correct.  This topic has been discussed, but I don't mind discussing it again.

This is what I ended up with, after installing two Sunpro automotive car voltmeters, on my Honda 750, and my Kawasaki 440 (the Argus is installed on my touring bike, the Voyager):  link.  The Sunpro are not inexpensive, but they are permanent; they need to be switched, as they are mechanical, and they will draw a few milli-amps of current, when connected to the battery -- this will drain the battery dead, within four weeks.  There are less expensive models, that plug into a 12-Volt outlet, if you have one:  link.

The Argus is not perfect, but it is more advanced than just a simple voltmeter.  I have had the Argus installed for the past year, and I am very satisfied with it, except for the battery life monitor.  I installed a brand new, AGM battery in my Voyager, and it immediately dropped to 70% battery life left!  Not great, or accurate, but it does give me a ballpark idea of the life left in my battery.

Any voltmeter will show you the immediate health of the charging system:  battery condition, when bike is off, not charging from the alternator; health of the charging system (regulator/rectifier, and the alternator), by showing the charging voltage it puts out, which is critical.  Yes, it is worthwhile, since the battery will supply the voltage needed to fire the plugs, after the charging system dies; once the battery drains, you will be dead on the road.  With a voltmeter, you can know when your electrical system is failing, before it leaves you stranded.  Cheers!