Voltmeter Question (I'm Back) :-)

Rogue_Bolo

Rogue_Bolo

Joined
Aug 12, 2021
Messages
68
Age
60
Location
chicago, USA
Bike
91 Honda ST1100
Greetings All,
After waking up from my Hibernation (and the unseasonably cold end of winter in Chiraque). A bit of a follow-up and question for the forum.
  • I had the misfortune of pulling my rig out of winter cover early due to utility work on the street. Bike started up after a bit of prodding after the battery install and removing towels from exhaust. Took him around the block and (wouldn't you know it for those that tracked my post from last year) the tach decided to work. We'll see how long that last.
  • My two biggest priorities to address are the overheating engine (probably the Thermostat) and the leaky vacuum petcock.
After I address those two issues, my next objective is to install a voltmeter for the short term until I can upgrade the Alternator for my '91 rig. I am open to any suggestions as to where I perform a permanent install, and recommendations on the make/model of voltmeter to use (Prefer a mode with a scale instead of a numerical readout). Thanks all in advance.

 
Some guys have used the space where the headlight adjust knob sits for placing an analog voltmeter. I believe Honda actually has/had one that fitted in there nicely, with a bit of surgery I imagine.
 
Bush said:
Some guys have used the space where the headlight adjust knob sits for placing an analog voltmeter. I believe Honda actually has/had one that fitted in there nicely, with a bit of surgery I imagine.
Click to expand...
Any info on the make/model of the meter and/or if is is a scale or numerical type of meter?
 

Voltmeter install and headlight adjuster relocation | ST1100 Related

I have bought myself a Honda marine voltmeter to install in place of the headlight adjuster, and I plan on installing this over the weekend. I have bought a small fused relay and will wire the VM through that direct to the battery, triggered off a switched power source. Is there a good reason...
www.st-owners.com www.st-owners.com

Honda Marine Analog Voltmeter Install ( ST1100 ) **

Honda Marine Analog Voltmeter Install ( ST1100 ) **
www.st-riders.net

www.ebay.com

2003 91-03 Honda ST 1100 ST1100P OEM Clock Battery Gauge Gauges Display Lot Volt | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2003 91-03 Honda ST 1100 ST1100P OEM Clock Battery Gauge Gauges Display Lot Volt at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
 
For the meter, the Service ST has one. The parts are about $100 for the meter and a bracket, items 5 & 7. You'll have to modify your headlight adjuster as item 12 isn't available. Looks like a little Dremel work could do it for you. For $15 you can buy one and play with it. Might try Silvers Spares (US) for item 12. They have some discontinued parts.



2003 model
www.partsfish.com

2003 Honda ST1100PA Meter Panel

Shop online for OEM Meter Panel parts that fit your 2003 Honda ST1100PA, search all our OEM Parts or call at 800-964-1882
www.partsfish.com www.partsfish.com

1991 for comparison
www.partsfish.com

1991 Honda ST1100A Meter Panel

Shop online for OEM Meter Panel parts that fit your 1991 Honda ST1100A, search all our OEM Parts or call at 800-964-1882
www.partsfish.com www.partsfish.com

https://www.davidsilverspares.com/[/UR] wiring
 

Attachments

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Rogue_Bolo said:
This was what I am looking at...Screenshot 2022-03-14 010705.png
Click to expand...
To each his own, but that indicator isn't fine enough to really tell what the health of the charging system is going on.
Personally I prefer a digital indicator....
Example from Amazon...

Amazon.com: BUENNUS Motorcycle ATV Car USB Charger Adapter,Quick Charge 3.0 Power Outlet for Marine,RV,Boat,SUV,Truck with ON/Off Switch Voltmeter Waterproof Universal 12V-24V with 60cm Cable : Cell Phones & Accessories

Amazon.com: BUENNUS Motorcycle ATV Car USB Charger Adapter,Quick Charge 3.0 Power Outlet for Marine,RV,Boat,SUV,Truck with ON/Off Switch Voltmeter Waterproof Universal 12V-24V with 60cm Cable : Cell Phones & Accessories
www.amazon.com

One I'm running on the VFR
 
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Ron said:
https://www.davidsilverspares.com/[/UR] wiring
Click to expand...
Just to mention it, a volt meter uses so little current, it can be directly powered from any switched circuit without a relay. A wire with little load current, like the +12v wire for the tach, would give an accurate reading.
 
Larry Fine said:
Just to mention it, a volt meter uses so little current, it can be directly powered from any switched circuit without a relay. A wire with little load current, like the +12v wire for the tach, would give an accurate reading.
Click to expand...
...as a former Electronics tech, I have to take into account the internal impedance to compensate for any major difference of potential. I think the difference will be negligible. I don't expect minute accuracy from a 30+ year old machine. as long as Ihe output level is above 13.8 I will be content as I will not drive many accessories. I just want something so I can keep an eye on the voltage level until I get around to upgrading the alternator. I also want to keep mods to an absolute minimum. I definitely will not be connecting across the battery. The 2/10ths of a volt difference is manageable.
 
Rogue_Bolo said:
...as a former Electronics tech, I have to take into account the internal impedance to compensate for any major difference of potential. I think the difference will be negligible. I don't expect minute accuracy from a 30+ year old machine. as long as Ihe output level is above 13.8 I will be content as I will not drive many accessories. I just want something so I can keep an eye on the voltage level until I get around to upgrading the alternator. I also want to keep mods to an absolute minimum. I definitely will not be connecting across the battery. The 2/10ths of a volt difference is manageable.
Click to expand...
How about one of these...

Battery Montior – Electrical Connection

I've got one installed on my '93 for the same purpose as you want to do on your '91. Inexpensive, easy to install, works..
 
Rogue_Bolo said:
(Prefer a mode with a scale instead of a numerical readout).
Click to expand...

What you said above seems to be at odds with what the picture of your desired meter looks like. A "scale" would indicate an analog type meter, like the Honda unit, but if you just want an LED display, there is one that is a single LED that will display multiple colours, depending on the state of the battery.

Made by a bloke in England, quite small, easy to mount in the dash area of the fairing and works just fine. It even self dims at night. I installed one on my ST. If I can find the seller's name again, I'll come back to post it, but I know others have used it too, so maybe they will chime in.
 
Bush said:
Here you go. Order the smaller one, if this suits you
Click to expand...

That’s the one I have on my ST and on the previous GL 650. I’m very happy with them and once you’re comfortable with the lighting patterns, it’s “take a peek and get riding”…

I’ve mounted mine so it’s usually in my peripheral line of site. In addition, it doesn’t draw much at all when the bike is off so I leave it to glow red when I park the beast.

Cheap, cheerful, accurate and I didn’t have to do much to install it.

One thing I’d point out is that where you power any meter from can impact the accuracy of its readings. I tested a few spots on the bike to make sure I used one that reflected the battery state as closely as possible.

Lots to choose from!
 
GGely said:
That’s the one I have on my ST and on the previous GL 650. I’m very happy with them and once you’re comfortable with the lighting patterns, it’s “take a peek and get riding”…

I’ve mounted mine so it’s usually in my peripheral line of site. In addition, it doesn’t draw much at all when the bike is off so I leave it to glow red when I park the beast.

Cheap, cheerful, accurate and I didn’t have to do much to install it.

One thing I’d point out is that where you power any meter from can impact the accuracy of its readings. I tested a few spots on the bike to make sure I used one that reflected the battery state as closely as possible.

Lots to choose from!
Click to expand...

I used the switched and 5 Amp fused accessory plug that resides as a separate wire beside the main fuse block. Only on when the ignition is on.
 
A bit of wood and a hole saw in a drill press will open the dash for a voltmeter / USB power (clamp it down before cutting):


Keep the resulting square ring to space the adjuster knob properly, then just drill a hole on the other side and square it with a file:


Admittedly a bit more work, but it sure is clean.
 
If you are okay not having the scaled display, have you considered a SparkBright LED voltage indicator? I believe the set point can be whatever you want it if the factory setting doesn't suit your needs. I installed one, easily seen in daylight and at night.
 
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