Charging question

[cuda_phish1]

When my XS11 '79 is idling my lights dim with it. when I have the rpm above 1500 or so it's fine.

Idle is set at 900-1000 rpm. Should I raise it or do I need new parts for my stator?

Thx,
Cuda_phish1
A Happy Baracuda on Nitrous

[dragxs11]

Hello Cuda,
I've only dealt with two xs11's but this condition seems normal to me. I run my idle at about 1200rpm to compensate. This also makes stalling a little more difficult to do at stoplights.

[Jerry]

1,100 rpm is the factory idle setting.

Dimming lights is a common occurence on older Japanese bikes. Problem can be decreased by cleaning every electrical connection on the bike. I use a spray-type contact cleaner, cost is about $8.00 per can. Folks who have done before and after measurments report 1-2 volt increase at lights after contact cleaning. Changing out old battery cables can have a positive effect too.

Alternator output does not exceed battery output until you get around 1,500 - 1,800 rpm. When you get to this point the higher output of the alternator makes the lights brighter.

A couple suggestions have been made about reducing the current load on the system. Going to the more expensive electronic flasher units cuts current demand at lower RPM. Various schemes for replacing tail and turn light bulbs with LED units to lower current demands have been floated, some have tried them. Biggest drawbacks so far have been very poor sidelight characteristics (seeing the lights from the sides of the bike) and reliability questions. Still, this area holds promise.

Corrosion on contacts, including the original fuse block, and on grounding points are the biggest culprits in dimming lights, slow flashing of turn lights, and some other electrical gremlins. If you still have the original fuse block, search for previous threads on fuse block replacement and plan on changing yours out for one of the many alternatives people have tried.

Your stator is probably fine. For better electrical performance, and generally improved reliaability, go though your electrical system and do some preventative maintenance.