spare watts

[grader]

specs i found for my 04 gsf say the wattage output is 200 at 5000rpm. i currently have 2 led lights mounted that are rated at 22 watts each, 44 total. i would like to pick up 2 led 7 inch light bars rated at 30 watts, 60 total. these lights are operated from a switch and are only used for a 15 mile nite ride home from work on the highway. is there enough power for all 4 lights or should i pull the origional 2 off and just run the light bars?

[mr72]

that's 104W total right? I mean, you will occasionally use a brake light or turn signal and you'd want to charge the battery but I think you're way under the limits.

Ordinarily halogen high-beams are 60W alone, tail light is like 20W so the normal static riding load is maybe 80W not counting charging current.

I think you're fine but a little more than static load.

[grader]

im just concerned that it will damage the alternator if the draw is too high, but i doubt it would and will most likely just draw down the battery, but only for a 20 minute ride home.

[mr72]

It won't damage the alternator and it won't drain the battery either.

If anything it will just reduce the rate of charge of the battery... so it may cause the battery to take longer to recharge from a start attempt for example.

[philward]

I ran twin H4 halogen headlight - so assuming it's 55W on low beam (not sure) then that's already 55W added all the time.  Plus some heated grips in the winter.

Can confirm that it handles it okay, but you must be aware that my extra load meant that I was sailing close to the wind.  Certainly suffered a couple of half flat batteries and the very occasional bump start was required.  With a battery in good condition you will be okay, but you won't be piling the charge back in as fast as the stock configuration.

[grader]

thanks for the replies. i will probably remove the 2 lower powered units as they have 3 settings, low beam, high beam, and flashing, requiring me to toggle the switch a few times to get them where i want. this is moose country and hitting one is not an option, so the more light, the better.