What To Know
- In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a few other things to consider when choosing a motorcycle with a good charging system.
- If you plan on adding accessories to your motorcycle, such as a heated vest or a GPS unit, you’ll need a motorcycle with a good charging system.
- Set the multimeter to the DC voltage setting and connect the positive lead to the positive terminal of the battery and the negative lead to the negative terminal of the battery.
The Suzuki Intruder 800 and the Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster are two of the most popular motorcycles on the market. They’re both known for their classic styling, comfortable riding position, and powerful engines. However, one area where these two bikes differ is in their charging systems.
The Suzuki Intruder 800 uses a belt-driven alternator to charge its battery. The alternator is mounted on the front of the engine and is driven by the crankshaft. The alternator produces AC current, which is then converted to DC current by a rectifier. The DC current is then used to charge the battery.
The Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster uses a gear-driven alternator to charge its battery. The alternator is mounted on the rear of the engine and is driven by the camshaft. The alternator produces AC current, which is then converted to DC current by a rectifier. The DC current is then used to charge the battery.
Which Charging System is Better?
There are several factors to consider when comparing the charging systems of the Suzuki Intruder 800 and the Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster. These factors include:
- Output: The output of an alternator is measured in amps. The higher the output, the more current the alternator can produce. The Suzuki Intruder 800 alternator has an output of 33 amps, while the Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster alternator has an output of 40 amps.
- Efficiency: The efficiency of an alternator is a measure of how well it converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The higher the efficiency, the less power is lost in the conversion process. The Suzuki Intruder 800 alternator has an efficiency of 80%, while the Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster alternator has an efficiency of 85%.
- Reliability: The reliability of an alternator is a measure of how well it performs over time. The Suzuki Intruder 800 alternator has a reputation for being very reliable, while the Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster alternator has a reputation for being less reliable.
Which Motorcycle is Right for You?
The Suzuki Intruder 800 and the Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster are both great motorcycles. However, they have different charging systems. The Suzuki Intruder 800 has a belt-driven alternator that is less powerful and less efficient than the Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster’s gear-driven alternator. However, the Suzuki Intruder 800’s alternator is more reliable.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which motorcycle is right for you is to test ride them both and see which one you prefer.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a few other things to consider when choosing a motorcycle with a good charging system. These include:
- Battery size: The size of your battery will affect how long it takes to charge. A larger battery will take longer to charge than a smaller battery.
- Riding habits: If you do a lot of long-distance riding, you’ll need a motorcycle with a good charging system. A weak charging system will not be able to keep up with the demand of long-distance riding.
- Accessories: If you plan on adding accessories to your motorcycle, such as a heated vest or a GPS unit, you’ll need a motorcycle with a good charging system. Accessories can put a strain on your charging system, so it’s important to make sure that your motorcycle can handle the load.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: What are the symptoms of a weak charging system?
A: The symptoms of a weak charging system include:
- Dimming headlights
- Weak horn
- Slow starting
- Dead battery
Q: How can I test my charging system?
A: You can test your charging system using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the DC voltage setting and connect the positive lead to the positive terminal of the battery and the negative lead to the negative terminal of the battery. The multimeter should read between 12.5 and 13.5 volts. If the voltage is below 12.5 volts, your charging system is not working properly.
Q: How can I improve my charging system?
A: There are a few things you can do to improve your charging system:
- Clean the battery terminals
- Tighten the battery connections
- Replace the battery if it is old or weak
- Upgrade to a higher-output alternator