jhall
BMWMOA #24809
Today brought a chance I'd been waiting for, to ride in winter weather conditions and ascertain the Airhead alternator's ability to keep up with electrics' demands. It was 36F when I left, and 34 upon return home, about 1.5 hours and 60 miles later. I rode with headlight off, on Kentucky rural roads, mostly 3rd and 4th gear to keep RPM at 4000+ for max charging. I wore electric jacket and pants, wired together, and initially turned them on LOW and the heated grips on LOW; at this rate, the volt meter read about 13V to 13.2. With clothing and grips both on HI, it only read 12 to 12.2. I experimented with various other combos of settings and, with heat turned down, could usually keep the volt meter at or near 12.4V to 13V. But in today's conditions, anything less than HI on both the clothing and grips was more perseverance than pleasure. My feet were not cold, but not toasty either. To be toasty, I'da needed my electric socks, which woulda needed more electricity which, unfortunately, is not available from the Airhead's OEM charging system. Simply put, my winter electric gear needs, far exceeds the 240 watt system capability, never mind adding extra lights, or even turning the headlight on. I pretty much knew this already, but today removed any doubt. So it appears I have some tough choices to make regarding the Omega 600 amp system.
Upon arrival home, there was about 1/2" of slush on the windshield and frontside of the bike, and woulda made an excellent picture. But my phone's battery was dead. Awhile later, after charging the phone, I came back out to take pics and, to my dismay, saw the Kenda rear tire is now down to the cord. After only a bit over 3500 miles, this tire has gone from new to toast. The front Kenda is now wavy, so I plan to order another front today. The rear has been on order a few days, and should be here soon. I shoulda kept a closer eye on the rear Kenda, but will not leave the driveway again without first replacing it.
Upon arrival home, there was about 1/2" of slush on the windshield and frontside of the bike, and woulda made an excellent picture. But my phone's battery was dead. Awhile later, after charging the phone, I came back out to take pics and, to my dismay, saw the Kenda rear tire is now down to the cord. After only a bit over 3500 miles, this tire has gone from new to toast. The front Kenda is now wavy, so I plan to order another front today. The rear has been on order a few days, and should be here soon. I shoulda kept a closer eye on the rear Kenda, but will not leave the driveway again without first replacing it.
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