I was wondering how useful a voltmeter would be on these bikes?
I built one for my CX using the good old LM3914
and only used 7 leds as it gave me enough indication all was well
Its handy on the Cx as theres little warning if the charging circuit
is suffering
here it is built into the Suzuki clocks in place of the gear indicator
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heqnYbOR-DE

As the K basically uses a car alternator and has a charge warning light
I have wondered how useful it would be.
I know a healthy CX will regulate at 14-14.5V ( theres no current regulation)
and if memory serves the K runs a little lower as it does have current regulation.
I suppose I could fit an ammeter, but really dont fancy running all power to the bars
and back then invite problems due to cabling later on.
The alternator seems to be a pretty reliable device anyway and I did fit
new brushes 1000 miles ago so if it aint broke etc.

So.
Voltmeter. Useful or toy?

Mind you it is a gadget, and you cant have too many gadgets can you?

I think it is useful as you can really get issues when you try to start the bike with too low voltage.

Hi,
Back in 2008 I posted http://k100rt.aforumfree.com/electrical-f8/backoff-voltage-monitor-t162.htm?highlight=voltage

I find it really useful and being only 1 LED it takes up so little space. I mounted mine in the dummy switch on the crash-pad by the Ignition switch,
Regards,
K-BIKE

K-bike
Hmm just had a dekko
I'm aware of the shop bought voltmeters but have a slight reservation on the spec
12-15V = steady green eh?
bit a of snag methinks, I;d want a wee bit more detail
When running, 12-13V would concern me as would 14.5+
I have measured my K at around 13.5-14 IIRC would have to do more testing to see the sweet spot

As for the low battery situation fusing the relay contacts together. I've heard of that occurring
when the battery hasnt enough oomph to spin the motor but does has enough to weld the
contacts together, better watch out for that.

I've got components so will probably do it anyway
I was chatting about K gauges to a pal today and mentioned how I felt the temp gauge should have been
a standard fitting
The K has a temp warning light that will glow in a fault condition of course, but a gauge can warn you things arent hunky dory long before it gets serious.

Similarly a voltmeter may warn you if the charging voltage is drifting off norm for some reason

I have fitted a temp and volt gauge for exactly the above reasons. Will fit an oil pressure gauge this winter.