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Heated grips/dead 'alternator'

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 6:48 pm
by old git
Guy I bought the Futura from had heated grips fitted, but had them disconnected as he believed that the high current draw on them is what killed the original alternator.
Since I have no idea if this is possible, wanted to ask the assembled Futilari if this was possible.
Wiring mod is reported to have been done although I have yet to have all the panels off to conf.
If this seems unlikely, and it was just a coincidence I may well re-connect for comfort in cold conditions.

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 8:26 pm
by blinkey501
Heated grips should not kill the generator keef, i used heated grips on my 125 scooter and no issues..
Not sure what the wiring mods are on a fut, although i have heard people talk about them :smt002
Mart should be along shortly :smt003

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 9:14 pm
by D-Rider
How much current do these mega grips draw? ...... maybe we'd better remove the lights too - LOL

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 2:01 pm
by randomsquid
Bloke I used to work with bought an F650 with heated grips and was worried if they were too much for the charging system on his commute. We hooked it up one dinner time and they were only a problem if the grips were on the highest setting, the main beam was on and the motor was at less than about 3k.
If your electrics are generally healthy I wouldn't worry about the grips.

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 3:13 pm
by old git
Ok general consensus is should be ok, since I am any pity any way I can test what they do draw, obviously will have to connect them up n turn them on but where would I be able to apply the multimeter to get a usable/meaningful reading.
PS although I have the multimeter, don't have any skill to know how to use it :smt017

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 6:10 pm
by blinkey501
old git wrote:Ok general consensus is should be ok, since I am any pity any way I can test what they do draw, obviously will have to connect them up n turn them on but where would I be able to apply the multimeter to get a usable/meaningful reading.
PS although I have the multimeter, don't have any skill to know how to use it :smt017
Keef even with the grips on my scooter with maximum setting it did not flatten the battery or fook the charging system.
Unless there is an earthing fault i can not see the grips causing your bike any issues what so ever. :smt069

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 8:03 pm
by randomsquid
old git wrote:where would I be able to apply the multimeter to get a usable/meaningful reading.
We just checked the charging system was able to cope with the grips by connecting to the battery terminals with the scale set to 20v DC. You're looking for 14-14.5v ish.

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 10:30 pm
by D-Rider
old git wrote:Ok general consensus is should be ok, since I am any pity any way I can test what they do draw, obviously will have to connect them up n turn them on but where would I be able to apply the multimeter to get a usable/meaningful reading.
PS although I have the multimeter, don't have any skill to know how to use it :smt017
I wasn't really being serious in asking what they draw - they should be fine.