Can generator lite not come on when not charging

[jagarra]

I just noticed something that needs a bit more investigation. I went for a ride the other day on the R90/6, when I came home I mucked about in the shop on the R1100RS. I then plugged the Beemer into the float charger in late afternoon, seems like the light indicating it was charging stayed on way too long after I had just recently came back from a ride.
The generator indicator lite turns on when I turn key on, off when riding, sometimes lights when idling.

[Kurt in S.A.]

The generator indicator lite turns on when I turn key on, off when riding, sometimes lights when idling.

Seems pretty normal to me. The light should go out past 1500 RPM or so.

Kurt in S.A.

[PAS]

How long did you ride?

[jagarra]

I rode about 50 miles, up a mountain to Virginia City and back to Reno. Didn't spare the RPM so that is why I am curious about the behavior. I guess I will watch and see how long it takes to turn to charge after my next ride.

[barryh]

If you noticed a change in behaviour because it's your routine to put the battery on float charge after a run then it's worth investigating the state of charge of the battery. Although even 50 miles won't necessarily fully charge a battery if for some reason it was substantially discharged before the run. Riding the bike charges the battery no faster than a good bench charger and probably slower.

[jagarra]

This morning went to the barber shop and then to get gas, when I came back plugged it into the float charger, green light was on when I came back in about an hour. I guess I was being paranoid.

gg

[daz]

Your volt meter tells the voltage of your battery. But it does not tell anything about the
condition of your battery. Just because it reads 12 plus volts does not mean your battery
is in good shape. It does not mean your battery can start your bike.
Think of that full charge as a QUANTITY rather than a VALUE. One battery holds a
certain charge. (Cold Cranking Amps). It’s brother who is older no longer can hold that
much charge. The older battery simply has less capacity. However, fully charged they
both read over12 volts. The 12 volts is the nominal difference in electrical potential. 12
volts does not tell capacity. 12 volts is a nominal value. The capacity or CCA (if you
must) is the quantity of charge.
It takes longer to fully charge the larger CCA battery. Take two batteries, same make,
model, and statistics. One is new. One is old and nearly worn out. The old battery takes
less time to charge because it holds less charge. 12 volts is nominal not
QUANTITATIVE. Each battery reads 12 plus volts but the newer battery can crank and
keep the lights bright longer.

[daz]

So a load test will give you an accurate picture of your battery. Free a most auto parts stores.

[Duane Ausherman]

+1 for info by daz.