Powering Devices on the Nighthawk

[ThePowster]

Afternoon chaps.

Ok so I wanted to ask if anyone knows how capable the Nighthawk is at powering auxiliary devices?

So I've recently purchased a heated Keis jacket that plugs into a controller and then on to the battery.

It says it needs 6.5 amps to power it and I'm wondering if 40 year old tech is going to be good enough for this ?

I've also invested in an LED headlight with daytime running LED light as well as DRL lit handguards.

I'd hate to switch all this on and deplete the battery.

Do you think the NH has adequate charging system to run these devices ? 

Curious to hear what you guys are powering on the Hawk. Oh I'll need my nav powering from this too and I wanted to put heated grips back on lol.

Many thanks in advance.

[mollusc]

I don't know about heated gear, but it can certainly power the other devices you mentioned.
I am running the coil relay mod (https://nighthawkforums.com/index.php?topic=49) which provides you with strong, relay-switched power under the seat, protected by a fuse and coming on with the key.
I split the terminal 87 wire into two wires, one going to the coils and the other running to the headshell.  Up there, I have it powering relays for the horn, the two headlight beams, and an auxiliary power outlet for GPS and GoPro.
I do have a fused USB connected directly to the battery too, for phone charging, but that is pretty low draw.

You could also try installing an Auxbeam H4 LED headlight.  I haven't tried one on the Nighthawk, but I'm running a set of their H7s in my truck and they work really well with the stock reflectors.  The big issue on a bike will be fitting the replacement bulb into the space available and still allowing it to stay cool.

[ThePowster]

That's awesome mate, thanks for the info, I'll check the linky out and have a read 👍

[Larry Fine]

Yes, the NH can support additional loads like heated gear. LED lighting uses much less current and will provide for even more headroom.

[ThePowster]

Brilliant! Thanks Larry / mollusc.

[Bob H]

heated Keis jacket
...It says it needs 6.5 amps to power it and I'm wondering if 40 year old tech is going to be good enough for this ?

According to this old Cycle World article on your 1984 NH https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1984/2/1/honda-cb700sc-nighthawk-s

The alternator is still mounted behind the cylinders, chain driven off the crankshaft, but it is more overdriven now, uses a cam-type damper to reduce shock loads and it has additional cooling capacity for its 280-watt output.

I was not able to find the output specs for my later model 1993 NH 750 but I imagine it uses the same charging parts or very similar.

Last year I purchased a heated jacket, heated gloves, heated socks and my bike can power all of them with no problem. Keep in mind you are not going to be running your heated gear at 100% (mine heat well at half power).

I also have an LED headlight and assume it chews less electricity than the OEM bulb.

[Larry Fine]

280 watts = 23.3a at 12v, and still 21.2a at 13.2v.

The bike uses nowhere near that much when running.

For reference, a 60w bulb = 5a at 12v, 5.5a at 13.2v.

[ThePowster]

Awesome Larry / Bob, great links and write ups, learning a lot today.

👍

[Larry Fine]

That's why we're here! 

[Jcota750]

I'm actually using a makita heated jacket with a regular 2amp battery and it last for hours if you want to avoid wiring. Heated gloves do sound nice though.

[mollusc]

I added heated grips to my NC.  Veeeery nice, and convenient since they're always available regardless of which gloves I'm wearing.