Add on driving lights

[06883R]

I have a question regarding driving lights. I recently installed a set of 55w dichroic driving lights on my 06 HD 883R sportster. After riding for 15-20 minutes with the lights on and at idle my check engine and battery light come on and will stay on until I turn the lights off. I installed them using a separate switch. The light kit came with a wiring harness and a 30 amp relay. My suspicion is that the lights are drawing too many amps for the charging system to handle. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas on how to work around this or are higher outuput alternators available for this application? I really need the additional lighting as I commute after dark and I live in the country.

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by 06883R

I have a question regarding driving lights. I recently installed a set of 55w dichroic driving lights on my 06 HD 883R sportster. After riding for 15-20 minutes with the lights on and at idle my check engine and battery light come on and will stay on until I turn the lights off. I installed them using a separate switch. The light kit came with a wiring harness and a 30 amp relay. My suspicion is that the lights are drawing too many amps for the charging system to handle. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas on how to work around this or are higher outuput alternators available for this application? I really need the additional lighting as I commute after dark and I live in the country.

One set of lights shouldn't tax the charging system to the point of insuffucuent voltage, especially only at 55w x2 bulbs.

What's RPM is the bike idling at? It should be at at a miniumum, 1000 rpms and no less. If it is, there's your issue. Does the light go out if you raise the idle a little?

(You have a stator, not an alternator.)

Is your bike carbed or EFI?

[Pete]

Originally Posted by 06883R

I have a question regarding driving lights. I recently installed a set of 55w dichroic driving lights on my 06 HD 883R sportster. After riding for 15-20 minutes with the lights on and at idle my check engine and battery light come on and will stay on until I turn the lights off. I installed them using a separate switch. The light kit came with a wiring harness and a 30 amp relay. My suspicion is that the lights are drawing too many amps for the charging system to handle. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas on how to work around this or are higher outuput alternators available for this application? I really need the additional lighting as I commute after dark and I live in the country.

I have a 2008 XL-883 that I ride all winter. Even with all of the heated gear on, which is definitely more than 110 watts, the system handles the load just fine.

Put a volt meter on the system, (you can connect it to the battery terminals), and see how many volts the bike is putting out with the lights on at idle, then at various running speeds.

It is possible that your bike does not generate enough current to supply the bikes needs as well as your additional lighting. The could be an issue with the stator/alternator. If this happens at idle, it could be that you have a failing battery that doesn't have the capacity to hold enough of a charge to support the needs of the bike and the new lights at the same time.

I have been told that if the gas filter(s) are clogged that it will cause the fuel pump and EFI to draw a lot of additional current. I never had to deal with this problem myself.

You can probably get your battery tested for free at your local auto parts store.

Pete

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Dave63

One set of lights shouldn't tax the charging system to the point of insuffucuent voltage, especially only at 55w x2 bulbs.

What's RPM is the bike idling at? It should be at at a miniumum, 1000 rpms and no less. If it is, there's your issue. Does the light go out if you raise the idle a little?

(You have a stator, not an alternator.)

Is your bike carbed or EFI?

Dave - Do all Sportsters have a stator?

Pete

[trobbins]

yes they do

[06883R]

Thanks for tips.

The light only comes on at idle which I will set up a bit. It is also carbed not EFI. It has the original battery in it so I am guessing it is beginning to fail.

Thanks again.

[Badassbrutus]

try to run your accesories on its own circuit not connected to you headlight circuit mount a 30amp switch somhere for it and your relay should do it but its important the all your accesories have there own fused circuit.