first time buyer

[decathlon_5061n]

I am trying to understand the function of the charging system. Electrex USA has some pretty good info on their web site, if you haven't read it, it is worth the time. But some clarification would be helpful. Any electro whizzes out there? Let me know if I understand this correctly. The amount of power that the generator produces depends only on the speed that it is run. The power that is produced powers those parts that need the juice - lights, ignition, etc. and the excess power is dumped to ground by the regulator. Therefore, if you use electrical accessories that draw more than the stock parts, such as higher wattage headlights, or heated vest, the electrical system dosen't work any harder, it just dumps less excess power to ground. So adding extra electrical load shouldn't be expected to cause extra wear and tear so long as adequate power is availble to charge the battery. Do I have it right? What about electronic heat controllers for electric vests that cycle on and off to regulate heat output? Does the constand cycling on and off cause any added wear and tear on the regulator or other parts of the electrical system? Class is in session. All you rocket scientists to the front to lead the discussion.

[marcclarke@unforgettable.com]

> Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2002 02:54:37 -0000 > From: "decathlon_5061n" >Subject: charging system 101 nklr >Let me know if I understand this correctly. The amount of power >that the generator produces depends only on the speed that it is >run.

Correct.

>The power that is produced powers those parts that need the >juice - lights, ignition, etc. and the excess power is dumped to >ground by the regulator.

Partial credit only. All correct, plus the electrical system is responsible for charging the battery.

>Therefore, if you use electrical >accessories that draw more than the stock parts, such as higher >wattage headlights, or heated vest, the electrical system dosen't >work any harder, it just dumps less excess power to ground.

Again, partial credit only. The electrical system is responsible for charging the battery and will do so as long as the electrical system and accessories draw less power than the alternator can generate at the current engine RPM. If the electrical system and the accessories are drawing more power than the alternator is producing at the current engine RPM the battery will source current to make up the difference. Making up the difference drains the battery. Herein is the peril of drawing more current than the the alternator can produce.

>So >adding extra electrical load shouldn't be expected to cause extra >wear and tear so long as adequate power is availble to charge the >battery. Do I have it right?

Correct. Just avoid draining the battery by drawing more current than the alternator can produce at the current engine RPM.

>What about electronic heat >controllers for electric vests that cycle on and off to regulate >heat output?

What about them? Yes, they work. Their benefit is that they present an average draw on the electrical system which is less than the maximum draw of the vest. For example, if the vest draws a maximum of 45 Watts and the controller is set to 50%, the controller draws only 1/2 * 45 Watts = 22.5 Watts. The vest delivers 1/2 the heat that it would were the controller set to 100%. This helps reduce demand on the electrical system. If the controller is set to 100% then the controller and vest draw the vest's full 45 Watt load. With the KLR's anemic electrical system, I use an Aerostitch controller on my 45 Watt Aerostitch vest for exactly this reason.

>Does the constand cycling on and off cause any added >wear and tear on the regulator or other parts of the electrical >system?

No, so long as the maximum current drawn by the controller does not cause the battery to start sourcing current. Remember also that the KLR's alternator produces its full output only at very high RPM. Only when you have the engine really wound out do you have full alternator power. At lower engine RPM you have far less than the alternator's full rated power. When at idle or in slow traffic turn off all the accessories you can to save the battery. -- Marc Illsley Clarke, KLR650 A12, Loveland, Colorado USA

[Danodemotoman]

Reference point. Friend just bought a '99 with 5k mi for $2850, stock no add ons. Dan P graham WA

> > I'm looking into purchasing a KLR650 used, but I've read some

mixed

> > reviews as too what year would give the most for my money. I've > found > > a 98' with under 3000 miles on it and the guy is asking $3800.