Quote:
Originally Posted by glang
on a twin headlight jobbie looks like about an extra 85w has to be continuously got rid of in the RR....
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A motorcycle alternator runs at maximum output continuously (there are a few exceptions) - it has a permanent magnet rotor. The r/r takes what it needs and dumps the rest which is why they get hot, the more load that is placed on the alternator's power, the cooler the r/r will run. If you exceed the alternator's output by adding too many extras, the best that can happen is a flat battery, the worst is smoke.
A car alternator has a field coil (instead of a permanent magnet) whose magnetic field strength can be adjusted to reduce the alternator's output when the demand is low. The early Hinckley Triumphs used a car style alternator but they are bulkier.
So switching to LED's may reduce the current flowing through connectors at the handlebars (not by much in this case) but the r/r will run hotter. Ideally, the high current devices should all be on relays so low power through the switch gear and the lights (for example) are on a separate, fused supply from the battery.