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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: Jnclem on August 03, 2015, 09:09:37 AM

Title: 1993 KLT 400 watts or 700 Watts?
Post by: Jnclem on August 03, 2015, 09:09:37 AM
In various searches I am finding specifications lists for my 93 K1100 LT that show either a 400 watt alternator, or a 700 watt alternator. Which is correct?  I will be running heated grips, and a heated vest, but that's about it, so either one will be fine. I'm just wondering which the bike has.
Title: Re: 1993 KLT 400 watts or 700 Watts?
Post by: rbm on August 03, 2015, 09:24:30 AM
If it has a black plastic cover on the back rather than all metal construction, then it is the larger 50A / 600W unit.  Refer to the kbikeparts alternator chart (http://www.kbikeparts.com/50a_alt/50a_alt.htm) for further information.
Title: Re: 1993 KLT 400 watts or 700 Watts?
Post by: Jnclem on August 03, 2015, 10:00:10 AM
That's good info. Thank you. Currently the bike is in another state. But I'll look when I got to get it next week.
Title: Re: 1993 KLT 400 watts or 700 Watts?
Post by: Jnclem on August 03, 2015, 10:04:40 AM
I guess I would still need to know if the 32 amp alternator is a 400 watt alternator. I'm a bit electrically illiterate, and I would think I would want to know how much power the bike, with the headlight on full is using, then subtract what the heated vest and t grips use. On my R100 GS with a 450 watt alternator, there is plenty to spare, so 400 isn't far off from that.
Title: Re: 1993 KLT 400 watts or 700 Watts?
Post by: kioolt on August 03, 2015, 10:32:06 AM
A 93 should have the 700 watt alternator.
Title: Re: 1993 KLT 400 watts or 700 Watts?
Post by: rbm on August 03, 2015, 10:36:49 AM
The equation to use is "Power = Volts * Amps".  12 x 32 = 384 Watts.  This is a rough calculation, as there are real and imaginary components to this picture as well as system losses.  The 33 Amp alternator can run the bike's standard electrics plus two heated vests.  If one were to add accessories that draw more current from the system, then the 33A unit would soon prove to be too small.

To determine current drawn by the headlight, use "Amps = Power / Volts".  A 55/60 Watt headlight will draw 60 / 12 = 5A.
Title: Re: 1993 KLT 400 watts or 700 Watts?
Post by: Jnclem on August 03, 2015, 12:19:13 PM
A 93 should have the 700 watt alternator.

I hope so. Like I said, I have seen spec sheets that say one or the other. I was first told by a third party that they thought the bike was a '95. It was only when I saw the title that I found out it is a '93. Not a deal breaker either way, as the bike is low miles, very well cared for, and a fairly low price. I was just a little disappointed that it might not have the bigger charging system. I rode it last week, and it is very nice. I will be going to get it next week, so I can take another look at the alternator then. It did have rubber mounted pegs, which I had also read were not available on the '93. There is a lot of good and bad info out there.
Title: Re: 1993 KLT 400 watts or 700 Watts?
Post by: ts888 on August 04, 2015, 05:00:02 PM
put the VIN into RealOEM.com and it will give you build date.

Title: Re: 1993 KLT 400 watts or 700 Watts?
Post by: Jnclem on August 04, 2015, 05:35:00 PM
Build date is 10/92
Title: Re: 1993 KLT 400 watts or 700 Watts?
Post by: K75RT Keith on August 06, 2015, 03:58:53 PM
I believe all K1100's came with 50 amp alternators.   
Title: Re: 1993 KLT 400 watts or 700 Watts?
Post by: Jnclem on August 06, 2015, 04:03:57 PM
Thanks, I'll report back when I see the bike again. Just a few more days until I get to go get it and ride it 800 miles home.
Title: Re: 1993 KLT 400 watts or 700 Watts?
Post by: rbm on August 06, 2015, 07:18:24 PM
I believe all K1100's came with 50 amp alternators.   
According to Duck's chart, 50A alternators were only supplied on MY1994 K1100LTs and later.  The bike being talked about is a 92, meaning it probably has a 33A alternator.
Title: Re: 1993 KLT 400 watts or 700 Watts?
Post by: Jnclem on August 07, 2015, 08:29:47 AM
I believe all K1100's came with 50 amp alternators.   
According to Duck's chart, 50A alternators were only supplied on MY1994 K1100LTs and later.  The bike being talked about is a 92, meaning it probably has a 33A alternator.

That's what I'm expecting to find, but I think it will do just fine since all I run is a heated vest, and occasionally heated grips. If I keep the bike long term, I'll likely upgrade it.