Alternator/Stator Output?

[G19Tony]

Tony, did you use a wiring diagram to find the 12V trigger source in the headlight housing? Or is it obvious? I like the voltmeter aux pwr socket. If I attempt to use my 20 year old Gerbing on a test ride, it should tell me if/when my battery is draining. At least that's the plan. Someone posted that heated grips/jacket drained his battery. I am going to contact Gerbing to see if they can tell me how many watts my jacket draws. My Gerbing has saved my a$$ on many occasions. Would be nice but not a show stopper.

That was me. The heated jacket and gloves didn't work like I'd hoped. I'm glad I had a kickstart. I have a pair of battery powered gloves I'll use next time.

 

[Ride4all]

Say the following in your best Paul Hogan voice:

"That ain't a top-box, now THIS is a top-box..."

View attachment 348

Nice! Can you give us the info for that box: name, model, where it came from? Thank you!

 

[Yinzer Moto]

This web site says 190 watt output, I haven't seen anything else.

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– New 2021 Honda Trail 125 (CT125) Motorcycle Review / Specs | Buyer’s Guide with everything You need to know! – It’s official, the CT125 is coming to the USA but if you follow the blog then you already knew that as we’ve talked about it for over a year now during the lead up […]

www.hondaprokevin.com

That may be the output but that is not the amount of excess energy. You need to subtract the amount it takes to run the bike. On KTM 4 strokes, they have a similar 190w number on the output, unfortunately, it takes 180w to run their FI system and lighting.

 

[ChiefPockets]

On KTM 4 strokes, they have a similar 190w number on the output, unfortunately, it takes 180w to run their FI system and lighting.

There's no way the Trail is that bad, right? Right?

Full LED lighting is pretty efficient, and shouldn't be drawing more than 25W with dipped and high beams on. The internet is telling me that TBI automotive fuel pumps draw 40-60W. Round up a little to guesstimate ECU, inefficiencies, whatever... 90W to spare.

Another rule of thumb I've heard is that ATVs typically use 2/3 of their charging system's power at maximum draw (all lights, accessories, etc. on). If motorcycles do something similar, the Trail may only have 60-70W to spare.

Has anyone experimented more with their Trail to get a number that isn't just a guess?

 

[SneakyDingo]

Amps for accessories

Does anyone happen to know how many extra amps there are available for accessories? Since I start riding early in the season and on backroads I’d like to wire for a heated vest ( 8 amps) and a Garmin GPS (I believe 1-2 amps). These two accessories work well on my Yamaha xt250, which has a...

hondatrail125.com

As discussed, the stator output spec is 190W according to Honda. In this post from a while back, it was stated that the excess stator output wattage is likely in the 60W range, with 74W exceeding stator output and slowly draining the battery. 60W = 5A, 12V.

I'm not saying this is related to my thought process or not, but the Hot Logic Mini 12V uses 45W or so, and would give you a nice, hot meal when you got to your destination...

 

[ChiefPockets]

excess stator output wattage is likely in the 60W range

Oof. That's... basically nothing. Enough to charge a phone or GPS but, as stated in the thread you linked, incapable of sustaining two medium to high drain accessories at the same time.

A solar panel not much bigger than the luggage rack can generate 20W. Couple that with an aux battery, charge up during the day, then your lights and heated gear can last you a little longer at night. I think moshe_levy is right, your best bet is to stick with accessories with their own batteries. Charge them from a wall while you sleep, maybe top up one at a time while riding.

I've been spoiled by my bigger bikes. I'm used to having 200W available or more, I REALLY need to recalibrate my thinking while accessorizing my Trail.

 

[SneakyDingo]

Oof. That's... basically nothing. Enough to charge a phone or GPS

It's relative. In Thailand, where you need to charge your phone and not much more? it's a lot. In the arctic circle, where you need to heat your visor? it's nothing. If you think of it as a Super Cub variant, it's a Thailand manufactured bike designed in Japan that was most popular in Vietnam. Only one of those countries ever gets actually cold by any reasonable standards. Japan seems to favor passive approaches for the motorcycle, like pogies, windshields and leg shields.

I can explain the numbers or you can take my word for it, but you'd easily be able to run 3 phones charging and 3 GPS's at the same time without draining the battery on this bike. You probably saw my comment that it's already running LEDs so there's not much more you can do to reduce power consumption.

Your options are generally to either add power generation, or add power reserves. Regarding the solar panel, I saw a concept using the Zeed Parts luggage box that had a solar panel strapped to the top. So someone else thought the same way, and if you were really going bush with absolutely nothing nearby, that'd be a pretty good option (charge provided per day would be in the 12,000 mAh range).

If you look towards bikepacking - how do bicyclists solve the probem? Nowadays there's a shift away from dynohubs. It's usually 6500-13000 mAh battery packs for portability, with a recharge every few days or at restaurants. Maybe plan to stay in a hotel every few days and charge all the batteries up there.

 

[ChiefPockets]

or add power reserves

It's funny you mention that – I already do exactly that on an off-road bike that doesn't have alternator/stator. I'll look into a similar setup on my Trail.

it's already running LEDs

I'm struggling to tell from diagrams online, is the stock headlight a standard size/mount/connector that I could easily swap for an aftermarket option?

 

[dmonkey]

It's funny you mention that – I already do exactly that on an off-road bike that doesn't have alternator/stator. I'll look into a similar setup on my Trail.

I'm struggling to tell from diagrams online, is the stock headlight a standard size/mount/connector that I could easily swap for an aftermarket option?

The headlight connector is not a very standard one, it is 8 pins.


If you want to mess with tapping connections out of it for a different headlight, you can buy a cheap extension cable to cut up. This one worked for me though I only used it for testing connections, I did not replace the headlight.

5.68US $ |8 Pin Male Female Reversing Radar Taillight Led Headlight Assembly Wiring Harness Connector Extension Wire Harness For Honda Crv - Connectors - AliExpress

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www.aliexpress.com

The wiring to the headlight is a very thin gauge so if you're looking to add anything and not just substitute a different LED headlight setup, then tapping power from the ignition switch would be a better way to go.

 

[ChiefPockets]

That weird connector is slightly discouraging, but the gauge doesn't worry me too much since I would just be swapping in another (better) LED unit. I'll still check gauge vs amp vs length before ordering a new headlight, to be safe.

The headlight itself – is it a standard size? 5 3/4", 4 3/4", 4 1/2"? I guess should probably just take mine off my bike and measure it myself instead of pestering internet strangers...

This listing (link) shows the headlight is similar/common to the Z900RS Cafe, which leads down another confusing rabbit hole that seems to indicate the Z900RS headlight is nearly fully unique with no direct drop-in replacements.

 

[dmonkey]

Not sure on the sizing, but it's the same headlight unit as the Z125 Monkey, Honda part number 33110-K0F-T02. The weird 8 pin connector also looks like it's used on the Super Cub 125 and the Grom (2017+ models). IF it is the same connector as on the newer Groms, then this adapter would open up your options: https://www.drowsports.com/tripage-sf-grom-to-h4-socket
If it's not, you could make your own adapter using that Aliexpress connection extension linked above.