Honda cl350 headlight brightness increase as engine revs higher

[fatmatt]

So I am sorting through a few issues and I'm thinking they are related to the charging system.
When I get the bike started and rev the engine the lights get brighter, when it's idling they grow dim. Is this a problem with the regulator? The battery is new.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Tim]

That's normal, and an indication that your charging system is actually working

At idle, the bike's charging system creates just enough juice to keep the bike running, but not really charge the battery. When you rev, it starts ramping up and the extra voltage goes to the battery (via the Regulator) to charge it up.

Check your voltage at the battery terminals with the bike at idle - should be around 12v. When you rev, it should run up to 13-14v. If its in that range, you're in good shape.

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

What Tim said. However, FYI, the stock regulator on a Honda CL350 is rated for 15.0 Volts, +/- 0.5 Volts. Seeing as high as 15.5 volts at 5000 RPM would be normal.

An aftermarket regulator (like Sonreirs) will regulate closer to 14 volts, and extend the life of the battery, as well as just regulate better.