TOPIC:

Hello all, I'm wondering about a jacket/vest liner power consumption. I've read on ibsens' site that my '75 Kawasaki KZ400D has got a 200w @ 5000rpm alternator. With the normal load on the bike (lights, horn, ignition system, etc..) I'm wondering if I would be able to power one of these jacket/vest liners or not. There's one jacket liner with sleeves that I looked at that it pulls 100w from the system, which seems like it might not leave much for keeping the battery charged after running the lights, etc.. Others depending on the type (whether vest or jacket liner, etc..) do pull less power but also put out less heat. In my case would a pair of electric gloves or heated grips be better?
Thanks for any help/suggestions, TonyKZ1

ps. I'm already using a pair of handlebar gauntlets or mitts (from an atv, modified to fit my bike) to help keep my hands warmer. I've also got a liner in my Tourmaster jacket, and I'm wearing insulated bib-type overalls to help keep my legs warm.

Post edited by: tonykz1, at: 2006/02/08 16:06

You can just run a test by hooking up a couple of 55w car headlights or other appropriate loads. Then measure the battery voltage(while the bike is running) before and after they are hooked up.

I would think a warmer climate might be the answer

BSKZ650 wrote:

I would think a warmer climate might be the answer

I was thinking snowmobile, but your suggestion is way better!!!

Hey Tony,
I couldn't imagine that your 400 will keep up with more than 100 watts diverted to accessories.

Go for it ONLY as long as you are able to charge it every night.

KZCSI

I don't know how the 400 compares to a KZ1000 so this may not apply, but I regularly ran heated gloves, heated vest, heated chaps as well as a 80w halogen bulb on the old thousand and rode it for about 40,000 miles of highway riding that way without ever a hint of a problem. I thought it pretty neat to pull into McDonalds or something at 6AM and have someone say "A little chilly for riding" and I'd say "yea a little, I've already got 300 miles on today". Electrics saved me, even in the Summer too cold to ride all night in most the country.

take your 100 watts divided by 12v =8.3333333 amps that is the approximate draw on your systemB) your alternator 200 watts divided by 12v =just under 17 amps.i tried looking up the output on an older kz1000 generator 77-78 and a newer style 79-80 alternator but couldnt find a rating for them i would think that as long as you have a big enough battery you give it plenty of time to charge with no load you should be ok.

Post edited by: wireman, at: 2006/02/08 23:07