LED headlight wattage

[da4design]

I just replaced my headlight with an led and makes a huge difference. My question is , i ordered a 32w but was sent a 40w bulb...i didn't see that until i installed it, looks good and bright but is 40w too much?

[BigWeld]

With the headlight on high beam, put a volt meter on your electrical system while the engine is idling. If it reads less than 12 volts, the electrical system is taxed too much and will eventually drain your battery in that condition. Next, try and simulate a "while riding" condition, with your RPM fluctuating from 1k to 3k, and watch the volt meter. If it stays above 12 volts, you're fine. You just can't let your system dip below 12 volts for an extended period of time.

This exact scenario is why I'm installing a voltmeter/USB charger combo on my handlebars.....you get an on-the-fly look at your electrical system whenever, wherever.

[ben2go]

13.5 volts is where the lower limit is with the bike running. Anything below that and it will start to run off the battery. It has to over charge to keep up with the electrical demands and keep the battery topped off.

[da4design]

thanks, i will see what i can do this weekend

[jdiggyd]

Because I don't know much about electronic systems and for clarification for all:

Would the volt meter just be hooked up directly to the battery? Or would you have to hook it up somewhere else like off the alternator or somewhere else?

[Merlin]

Originally Posted by jdiggyd

Because I don't know much about electronic systems and for clarification for all:

Would the volt meter just be hooked up directly to the battery? Or would you have to hook it up somewhere else like off the alternator or somewhere else?

Hook it up to your ignition switch to come on when you turn on your bike. It doesn't need to be hooked anywhere else.

[Ariel Red Hunter]

Originally Posted by da4design

I just replaced my headlight with an led and makes a huge difference. My question is , i ordered a 32w but was sent a 40w bulb...i didn't see that until i installed it, looks good and bright but is 40w too much?

No, the alternator on the Hawk is 90 watts, so 40 is ok....ARH

[da4design]

thanks ARH