The problem is that the in the usual bike, there is a main 30 amp fuse between the battery and 'everything else' which is on the alternator side. The bike is not started through that fuse so it does not matter how much current it draws when cranking. The alternator can put out 46 amps but it is virtually impossible to get near that amount of current just charging the battery (unless the main battery is shorted and then the fuse SHOULD blow, that is why it is there). So with a normal C-14 running, all power used, which can and does exceed 30 amps, is taken directly from the alternator.
When the police version adds another battery, they wire it in parallel with the primary battery and then attach all the electrical do- dads (technical term) to that second battery. That is the problem; the main fuse has to pass all the current to charge both batteries as well as run all accessories added to the second battery. When that main fuse pops, the bike stops running, the lights (all lights) fail, etc. I do not think it is really a horrible problem but it certainly would be dangerous at night with both the engine and the lights failing.
The fix is to increase the main fuse size along with the wiring between the alternator and the primary battery. I am amazed that those making police version C-14s have not dealt with this problem, and even more amazed that they are going to stop producing the bike due to this problem.
Brian
Kawasaki Shelves Concours 14P Motorcycle
An electrical recall has imperiled the prospects of Kawasaki's reentry into the police motorcycle market.
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