As I don't have on-board instrumentation, I've fitted a very cheap voltage monitor to keep an eye on the electrics. It has 6 LEDs which indicate different voltages. I've bench checked their calibration and they're remarkably accurate, starting dim at first and then reaching full brightness at their specified level. The internals are a small printed circuit board with everything mounted on it which could be easily mounted underneath the fairing with 6 small holes for the LEDs to project through. After 6 months on the bike, it's proved really useful and reliable. (For those who don't know, the older Beemer's electrics are not so good).

These are marketed in Oz by Jaycar Jaycar Electronics who will mail worldwide. It's only A$9.95, p/n QP-2258. Incidentally, their catalogue has loads of usefull goodies including components such as a replacement Hall Effect transistor for the BMW ignition can at A$19.95 and the appropriate 3 pin connector at A$3.45.

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Tim ('91 R100GSPD)

The only baggage you carry should be in the panniers

I made something similar from a kit about 18 months ago. Three led's - under, ok and over volts. I think it was about £5.00 and about half an hour with a soldering iron to adapt it with longer leads to fit a particular space on the bike. The business end is thumbnail size and is stuck with velcro next to the headlight. It's been totally reliable and gives early warning of electical gremlins.

A quick rummage around to find the dealer I bought it from turns up - www.Quasarelectronics.com, kit no 1034

Greetings Tim

I bought this toy on the web

Digital 5-Function Volt Meter 4-239: Motorcycle Accessories from California Sport Touring, Inc.

I have also seen it some bike shops in our travels. I have in installed it on my PD using a small bracket made out of some thin sheet steel and velcro.

The good thing about it is that it has a clock as well (also an air temp guage) and it can be fitted to the clock connector cabling that was part of the original PD wiring loom so that when the lights are switched on the display is backlit at night (it is a very weak back light)

The problem with this unit and most other meters of this type is that they were designed to be used inside a car or similar and not exposed to the rain.The first heavy storm I ended up with half the digits missing until it dried out and then it was foggy inside for quite a while afterwards. I MIGHT have cured that problem by carefully taking it apart and ery carefully putting a thin bead of silicon glue around all the places where water could get in (the case halves, around the display window, etc) I had to sacrifice some functions as I glued up some of the switches. I say might have fixed it, as since then we have not been in a rain storm like that one although it has been wet.

If it is waterproof now it would be a very good unit for the long term.

Regards

Ian

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Always have plan B, and maybe plan C
www.travelswithkitty.com

Hi Ian
There are similar units here (also sold by Jaycar) but I went for the small size and simplicity of mine. It's also effectively waterproof. With yours, you could mount it under a clear plastic screen which would keep most of the weather off. I intend to mount mine under the fairing with only the led's visible and held in place with a blob of silicone.
Tim

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Tim ('91 R100GSPD)

The only baggage you carry should be in the panniers