Alternator Life Expectancy on ST1300's

Joined
Mar 25, 2010
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09 ST1300A
How many miles does the average alternator go before needing replacement :confused: ?
Can the brushes just be replaced ?
 
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Ken Valkyrie
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09 ST1300A
Is there any info or link on replacing the alternator on St-Owners ?
Any more info on what mileage average, we all are getting on our alternators ?

I had to replace the alternator on my Valkyrie in the 80,000 range.
 
Joined
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Cleveland
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Never heard of an estimated life for alternators. What you want to know is called the mtbf - mean time before failure. The mfr's of hard drives have numbers for various quality drives, but I've never seen any info on motorcycle or car parts that were not considered 'wear' items (brake pads, batteries, filters, etc.). Alternators are not considered to be a wear item.
 

SupraSabre

48 Years of SoCal Lane Splitting/Commuting-Retired
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I think on the most part, if you don't overload it, it will probably last the life of the bike....

Now, what's the life of the bike? I think that's the real question! :D

My '05's alternator went out at 50+K, but I think I may have overloaded it, because it's replacement has gone over 130K, and still going strong (my son is still riding it). My 2010 has over 66K on it, no issues yet. My 2004#1 has over 68K on it and it is still going strong. Not sure how many miles my '04#2 has, but I've put 43K on it so far, seems to be doing fine.

I'm pretty sure that most with over 100 to 150K on their bikes are still on their original alternator.

I doubt if most on this forum will put 75K miles on their bikes (yes, I know there are many here that have or will, but I'm talking about most...;) so their alternators will last the life of the bike, while they own it! :D
 
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The ST1300 was designed for police service. 100 watt radio, 100 watt PA, 100 watt siren, strobe lights, headlights, spotlights, heated gear..... It is rated for 750 watts [50+ amps], so it is over rated for our needs. Should last a long time unless you are using it for a welder..........
 

wjbertrand

Ventura Highway
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Feb 8, 2005
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How many miles does the average alternator go before needing replacement :confused: ?
Can the brushes just be replaced ?
The brushes can indeed be changed. Mine were close to the wear limit mark at 150,000 miles, but evidently they continue to work well past that point.


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Ken Valkyrie
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Mar 25, 2010
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MA
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09 ST1300A
SupraSabre I have a 2009 bought brand new leftover in 2010, now with 63,000 miles on it. So I should have no alternator worries at all. :)
I do have heated grips and about 70 watts worth of additional running lights,
I use Gerbings heated gloves, jacket & pants occasionally in the winter.

spiderman302 I don't use a welder Ha! no overload there
 

SupraSabre

48 Years of SoCal Lane Splitting/Commuting-Retired
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12/04 ST 1300s
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000145
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5901
SupraSabre I have a 2009 bought brand new leftover in 2010, now with 63,000 miles on it. So I should have no alternator worries at all. :)
I do have heated grips and about 70 watts worth of additional running lights,
I use Gerbings heated gloves, jacket & pants occasionally in the winter.

spiderman302 I don't use a welder Ha! no overload there
I blew my '05's with heated gear, 55W X2 driving lights and two Stebels. It died when I hit the Stebels.

I removed one before taking it to the Honda dealer to replace the alternator! :eek:4:

But now, I'm running LED headlights and 10W X2, LED driving lights, and only one Stebel. And this is for all three running bikes right now! :D
 
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I was told for police bikes, make sure you test the alternator when buying as 60k seems to be a common do or die break point.
 
Joined
May 19, 2018
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The point being, to buy and install these, it’s quite expensive. As previously mentioned, police bikes draw a lot of current to power all the bells and whistles. This is where one has to be careful when doing wiring mods, else ground loops and fire hazards are potential issues.
 
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