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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: johnofchar on February 27, 2006, 04:30:49 PM

Title: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: johnofchar on February 27, 2006, 04:30:49 PM
I'm not a GS owner, but girlfriend is considering one for her first bike. I've looked through this forum and around the web but can't find the answer to my question.

What is the alternators wattage output and does anyone know how many watts are available for added accessories?

Thanks in advance for your help.

John
Title: Re: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: JamesG on February 27, 2006, 05:00:33 PM
Welcome to the grate site!  :icon_lol:
I believe it is listed in the Suzuki factory and the Clymer's manuals.
I'm sure someone with one handy will be along shortly.
:thumb:
Title: Re: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: scratch on February 27, 2006, 05:14:30 PM
Welcome!

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=18344.msg165728#msg165728

I searched the word 'output'.
Title: Re: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: johnofchar on February 27, 2006, 09:14:30 PM
 Thanks scratch. That link states maybe an output of 225 watts, that is anemic. We were looking for at least 105 extra watts to power her Gerbing heated gear & CB for comms.

Thanks for the welcome JamesG. We found a low mileage 05 close by an had plans on picking it up Sunday. We have been riding my DL1000 (V-Strom) or K1200RS.
Title: Re: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: johnofchar on February 28, 2006, 03:49:14 PM
Bump. Dealer mech said he thinks around 300-350 watts. Spec sheet has nothing. Come on folks need a little help!
Title: Re: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: rangerbrown on February 28, 2006, 05:51:24 PM
shaZam! you wish



i can run two 200watt bulbs and the alt cant keep up so safely with out stressing it too hard the max i would do is 150 thats 100 over what it uses at any given time.
Title: Re: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: starwalt on February 28, 2006, 06:11:07 PM
Quote from: johnofchar on February 27, 2006, 09:14:30 PM.. We have been riding my DL1000 (V-Strom) or K1200RS.
The GS is no where near the Beemer output. You can bake a ham on the output of any BMW.

We kicked around the wattage ouput a couple of weeks ago, so maybe there is another link besides the one above?
Title: Re: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: John Bates on February 28, 2006, 07:29:12 PM
My copy of the OEM GS500E Service manual for years 1997-1999 states:

"Generator Max. output: Approx. 200W at 5000rpm."

There is no mention of the generator output for all years prior, but I assume it is the same.

:cheers:

Title: Re: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: johnofchar on February 28, 2006, 07:58:50 PM
Thanks for the info John. Not what I was hoping for.
Title: Re: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: Rema1000 on February 28, 2006, 09:36:56 PM
Quote from: johnofchar on February 27, 2006, 09:14:30 PM
Thanks scratch. That link states maybe an output of 225 watts, that is anemic. We were looking for at least 105 extra watts to power her Gerbing heated gear & CB for comms.

If the stator produces 200 or 225 watts, and you want 105 for accessories, that leaves 95 (or 120) watts for lighting and ignition.  With a 55w Sylvania superwhite headlight, you could probably get by with all the electrics... but only at highway speeds. 
Title: Re: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: RedShift on March 01, 2006, 04:39:22 AM
Adding Piaa lights (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=21150.msg201369#msg201369) is another thread that may be useful to understand how much power is left over after all stock accessories and ignition are taken into account.

If the guess of 40-80 watts of surplus is correct, it would not be wise to run heated clothing off the GS500.  As inferred, you don't get peak electrical output unless the engine is well into its power band.
Title: Re: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: oramac on March 01, 2006, 06:51:41 AM
Also, if you use your 'extra' power to run CB and heated gear...what's charging your battery, even at highway speeds???
Title: Re: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: D-Day on March 01, 2006, 07:07:14 AM
Quote from: RedShift on March 01, 2006, 04:39:22 AM
Adding Piaa lights (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=21150.msg201369#msg201369) is another thread that may be useful to understand how much power is left over after all stock accessories and ignition are taken into account.

If the guess of 40-80 watts of surplus is correct, it would not be wise to run heated clothing off the GS500.  As inferred, you don't get peak electrical output unless the engine is well into its power band.


Posts: 242



     Re: Adding Piaa lights
« Reply #24 on: Today at 06:04:33 AM »   

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I have two 35 watt lights running for low beams, a two watt LED tailight, no guages and the idiot lights are LED.  Ignition draws around 20 watts (based on how long my track bike runs at total loss on a 4 amp battery) so I am around 100 watts going down the highway.  I didn't calculate brake and turnsignal lights (although my brake light is LED, around 4 watts and the front turnsignals are LED) because they aren't on very often.  I can run a Gerbing heated jacket liner (77 watts) and Gerbing heated glove liner (22 watts) and arrive home with the battery above 12 volts. 

Even with a stock set up, there is enough capacity to run a heated vest, as I did for many a trip on my bone stock GS, without discharging the battery. 

However, if you are going to ride around town, idling and running lower down in the revs, you will probably have to switch off the gear.



Title: Re: GS500F Alternator Output?
Post by: johnofchar on March 03, 2006, 03:49:00 PM
OK guys, thanks much for your help. Found a service manual for the GS500F at a local dealer which confirmed the output @ 5000 RPM is 200 watts.

This will not work for us so we decided to go with a DL650 V-Strom.

Admin, if you wish to delete my account feel free to do so.

Thanks
John