Hi, I have a 97 GL1500SE,
Problem #1: I replaced the alternator with a 90amp. When I first hooked it up it was showing 13Volts on my volt meter at idle. After a few weeks, now when I start it, it's putting out a little over 12volts at idle. As I ride at higher rpm's it seams to drop, like something is drawing it down. Wondering if something else in the charging system could be bad and causing this?
Problem #2: sometimes when I start my bike in the morning, my digital display is not working. Sometimes it will come on in a couple miles,
sometimes not at all. Several hours later when I leave work to go home it will be working but I have to reset my digital clock.
Could these issues be related???
Thanks,
Shorty
1997 GL1500SE, Alternator
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- MikeB
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Re: 1997 GL1500SE, Alternator
The simple answer is yes they can be related.Shortys86Aspencade wrote: ↑Sat Jul 11, 2020 11:26 pm Hi, I have a 97 GL1500SE,
Problem #1: I replaced the alternator with a 90amp. When I first hooked it up it was showing 13Volts on my volt meter at idle. After a few weeks, now when I start it, it's putting out a little over 12volts at idle. As I ride at higher rpm's it seams to drop, like something is drawing it down. Wondering if something else in the charging system could be bad and causing this?
Problem #2: sometimes when I start my bike in the morning, my digital display is not working. Sometimes it will come on in a couple miles,
sometimes not at all. Several hours later when I leave work to go home it will be working but I have to reset my digital clock.
Could these issues be related???
Thanks,
Shorty
The complicated answer is that there is an issue with your alternator and a separate issue with your digital display that has nothing to do with the alternator.
Question: What 90 Amp alternator did you install? I have heard that there are problems with some of the aftermarket alternators.
MikeB
1998 - GL1500 w/184,500 miles ~ 2017 - GL1800 w/13000 miles
USAF Avionics Communications Tech - 1968 - 1986 / Flight Engineer C-130E - C-141B - 1986 - 1992. Retired
Industrial Maintenance Tech - 1992 - 2014
Retired in Tacoma, WA
1998 - GL1500 w/184,500 miles ~ 2017 - GL1800 w/13000 miles
USAF Avionics Communications Tech - 1968 - 1986 / Flight Engineer C-130E - C-141B - 1986 - 1992. Retired
Industrial Maintenance Tech - 1992 - 2014
Retired in Tacoma, WA
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Re: 1997 GL1500SE, Alternator
It was an Arrow Head GL407.
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Re: 1997 GL1500SE, Alternator
It was an Arrow Head GL407, 90amp.MikeB wrote: ↑Sat Jul 11, 2020 11:57 pmThe simple answer is yes they can be related.Shortys86Aspencade wrote: ↑Sat Jul 11, 2020 11:26 pm Hi, I have a 97 GL1500SE,
Problem #1: I replaced the alternator with a 90amp. When I first hooked it up it was showing 13Volts on my volt meter at idle. After a few weeks, now when I start it, it's putting out a little over 12volts at idle. As I ride at higher rpm's it seams to drop, like something is drawing it down. Wondering if something else in the charging system could be bad and causing this?
Problem #2: sometimes when I start my bike in the morning, my digital display is not working. Sometimes it will come on in a couple miles,
sometimes not at all. Several hours later when I leave work to go home it will be working but I have to reset my digital clock.
Could these issues be related???
Thanks,
Shorty
The complicated answer is that there is an issue with your alternator and a separate issue with your digital display that has nothing to do with the alternator.
Question: What 90 Amp alternator did you install? I have heard that there are problems with some of the aftermarket alternators.
- MikeB
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28K Miles - Contact:
Re: 1997 GL1500SE, Alternator
I have never heard of them or read any bad press about them but that doesn't mean much really. They may be fine.
Did you test the alternator output with a good digital meter?
Did you get a warranty from the seller?
Can you return it if it is not performing properly?
Did you test the alternator output with a good digital meter?
Did you get a warranty from the seller?
Can you return it if it is not performing properly?
MikeB
1998 - GL1500 w/184,500 miles ~ 2017 - GL1800 w/13000 miles
USAF Avionics Communications Tech - 1968 - 1986 / Flight Engineer C-130E - C-141B - 1986 - 1992. Retired
Industrial Maintenance Tech - 1992 - 2014
Retired in Tacoma, WA
1998 - GL1500 w/184,500 miles ~ 2017 - GL1800 w/13000 miles
USAF Avionics Communications Tech - 1968 - 1986 / Flight Engineer C-130E - C-141B - 1986 - 1992. Retired
Industrial Maintenance Tech - 1992 - 2014
Retired in Tacoma, WA
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- Posts: 7
- Joined: Mon Mar 19, 2018 9:48 pm
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Re: 1997 GL1500SE, Alternator
I'm going to check it tomorrow with a multi-meter. I'll have to look into the warranty situation.MikeB wrote: ↑Sun Jul 12, 2020 12:35 am I have never heard of them or read any bad press about them but that doesn't mean much really. They may be fine.
Did you test the alternator output with a good digital meter?
Did you get a warranty from the seller?
Can you return it if it is not performing properly?
Thanks for your help.
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My son is going to enjoy it for many years to come.
Re: 1997 GL1500SE, Alternator
I haven't either, just did a search to find the parent company.MikeB wrote: ↑Sun Jul 12, 2020 12:35 am I have never heard of them or read any bad press about them but that doesn't mean much really. They may be fine.
Did you test the alternator output with a good digital meter?
Did you get a warranty from the seller?
Can you return it if it is not performing properly?
the are headquartered in Maine, but that does not mean that are the actual Manufacturer.
https://www.arrowheadep.com/content/company.asp
They appear to be a very large Distributor of electrical products, specializing the "rotating" stuff.
The actual alternator may very well have been manufacturered in Saipan for all we know.
A phone call to them would alleviate a lot of questions.
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Re: 1997 GL1500SE, Alternator
Most alternators need at least two wires to function, the big heavy cable that feeds current to the bike, and the little actuator connection that switches the voltage regulator "on". Are both connected? Most alternators won't output anything without the second connection.
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♫ 99 Little Bugs in the Code, ♪
♪ 99 Bugs in the Code. ♫

♫ Take one down, Patch it around, ♪
♫ 127 Little Bugs in the Code. ♫ ♪

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