Long idle

[okxd45]

So sadly, I haven't had much time to ride lately. So tonight I went out and started her to make sure the battery stays fresh. Well......in my current slothful state, I managed to leave her running for about 90 minutes. :-x
Any harm done?

[Shoe]

Its bullet proof.

[DenverC-14]

Not really. Catalytic converters don't like that, but I doubt you've done any damage. Also, at idle, most bikes don't really 'charge' since you're running the lights, fuel pump, injectors, etc.  Why not just get a battery tender and not worry about it?

[maxtog]

Not really. Catalytic converters don't like that, but I doubt you've done any damage. Also, at idle, most bikes don't really 'charge' since you're running the lights, fuel pump, injectors, etc.  Why not just get a battery tender and not worry about it?

+1

If you think you are helping the battery by idling, you might be mistaken.  At idle, I think the alternator on many bikes barely makes enough power for the lights, the ECUs, the dash, and the ignition.  Then the fan comes on...

It is good to start engines every now and then, but that is to keep the fuel moving, and get oil distributed around everywhere.   Get a battery tender.... they really work.

[okxd45]

Thanks didnt realize idle doesn't help with charging the battery. I have a battery tender, but these wonderful ghetto apartments I live in don't have an outdoor receptacle.  I ran a cord from the window this winter, but management said no more. Moving Oct 1st!

[lather]

My C14 does show positive charge at idle speed which I have set at 1200.

[maxtog]

My C14 does show positive charge at idle speed which I have set at 1200.

With the fan running?

[Cuda]

Yes Max fan  running , air conditioner on high,  vibrator ....VHOutput  alternator .

[VirginiaJim]

Mine does as well...

[maxtog]

Yes Max fan  running , air conditioner on high,  vibrator ....VHOutput  alternator .

Kewl.  Never tested the Concours, but (again) my ZRX would not.

[lather]

I have never seen the onboard voltmeter below 14.0 except  for a few seconds right after cranking. Verified with a reliable hand-held. The  C14 seems to have a very robust charging system.

[B.D.F.]

As others have already said- yup.

Funny thing but the service manual states a very high RPM to reach maximum charging (5,000 RPM if I remember correctly) but I have found it seems to max. out at 2,400 RPM. I have used the bike with the electrical system loaded beyond capacity (winter with two full sets of heated gear used at 100% will require more current than the alternator can produce but just a bit) but the system maxes out just before 2,500 RPM.

But idling the bike will charge the battery at some rate even with all the electrical systems on the bike being used (high beams, emergency flashers, brake light on, etc.)

Brian

With the fan running?

[okxd45]

As others have already said- yup.

Funny thing but the service manual states a very high RPM to reach maximum charging (5,000 RPM if I remember correctly) but I have found it seems to max. out at 2,400 RPM. I have used the bike with the electrical system loaded beyond capacity (winter with two full sets of heated gear used at 100% will require more current than the alternator can produce but just a bit) but the system maxes out just before 2,500 RPM.

But idling the bike will charge the battery at some rate even with all the electrical systems on the bike being used (high beams, emergency flashers, brake light on, etc.)

Brian

Well in that case, I guess it's safe to say that the battery is good to go...