Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 May 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Tripoli, Libya
Posts: 22
HELP! Plan to buy a 6 volt, 250cc Chinese bike, but need to use 12 volt accessories!

Hello,
My friend and I are travelling to Turkey soon and will purchase two Chinese, 250cc motorcycles. Unfortunately, we have just realized that they use 6 volt batteries, and all our accessories (Chatterbox XBI2, camcorder battery charger, cellphone charger, aa/aaa battery charger) are 12 volt systems.
What do we do? The solutions I have thought of so far are:

1. Buy a 6 volt to 12 volt voltage booster ($50-100) for each bike, and connect our 12v accessory outlet to the voltage booster.
The question is: would this supply enough current, etc. to charge our accessories?

2. Connect each of our 6 volt batteries together at night, and somehow create a 12 volt battery, then connect our 12v outlet to it and charge the accessories.
The question is: How do we do this? (we don't know much about electronics)

Are there any other solutions? We cannot convert the bikes' electrical systems, etc.

Please help. We leave in a couple weeks and I need to know what equipment to buy to fix this problem.

Thank you.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 May 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
Well, the first idea is the best but without changing bikes you will need to know the exact power output that the bike can produce and what is there in excess.

If the bike can only produce enough from the stator to run the bike, then it won't be enough to charge anything else.

I would seriously consider getting 12V bikes imho, even if it s a late change, there would be less hassle overall.

TS
__________________
www.travellingstrom.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 May 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,971
I've got most of that stuff with me, and I just charge it all in my room at night. Netbook, AA and AAA cells, cellphone, alarm, camera.... I use a three-way connector and an adapter, and at 110 to 240 volts (depending), there's always plenty of wee little electrons to go around.

Don't know if this applies at all, but TS is right: you might not have enough stator output. Even if you do, you're talking about a lot of dangling wires turning spaghettilike all over your bike. Does that serve any real purpose?

Just a thought.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Bassett, Nebraska
Posts: 276
I totally agree with markharf. Forget about charging your 12V accessories with a cobbled up wiring ratsnest on a Chinabike. There are plenty of places to charge up your accessories in guesthouses, hostels, restaurants etc. You are asking for trouble trying to charge that much stuff on 6V minimal thumpers. Think 110/220 inverter that plugs into a Turkish wall socket or a three way plug to allow plugging in all your chargers. That is what I would be looking for.

Best,
John Downs
__________________
South America and back on a 250 Super Sherpa Minimalist Adventure http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=831076

Last edited by John Downs; 12 May 2010 at 02:21.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Danmark
Posts: 346
Charge in your room. If, for any reason, you have to charge in the daytime, you could use a powerchimp, which works with both rechargable and permanent batteries

www.powerchimp.com
__________________
Poul
May you enjoy peace and good health !
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Obtaining a carnet on a chinese registered bike iamamalteser Trip Paperwork 0 29 Nov 2009 01:22
FS : Eberspacher Diesel blown air heater 12 Volt rclafton Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 2 Jun 2009 23:45
Waterproof 12 volt cigarette lighter sockets gixxer.rob TRAVEL Hints and Tips 7 8 Dec 2008 19:18
Buying a Chinese Bike in a crate rachyett Trip Transport 6 25 Apr 2008 11:56
Is it possible to get a 250cc bike in to Vietnam? CaptainTim Route Planning 3 8 Aug 2003 09:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:24.