And I'd rather be able to run what I need without worrying about turning down anything, unplugging a headlight or whatever. Theres places to save weight that seem to me would allow for a teensy bit more alternator power, I just don't think Suzuki sees it as a priority. I don't think an effective alternator has to be huge and super heavy.
It really comes down to a budget bike and you don't get state of the art thinking and engineering. Hell, sometimes you don't get state of the art thinking and engineering on a much more expensive bike, neither of my Tigers had/has an electrical system that is more than barely adequate either.

__________________
Joe S.
'12 Concours
'11 DL650
'10 Tiger1050
'01 HD FXD
'09 HD XR1200
'79 BMW R100

I run Oxford grips (48w) and a TourMaster Synergy 2 vest (48w) on my commute. Stop and go, lots of lights. This morning it was just below freezing. No issues with K9 stock charging system, although I can see the grip controller cycling when I look at the headlight beam at night.

__________________
2009 DL650 ABS (with touring kit)
2004 Honda ST1300

That's a reason I went to HID lights. Besides drawing less, they are a constant brightness from 9V-16V.

__________________
Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

Glent, an easy fix for the headlight arc issue is to install the VVME HID conversation kit. The HID arc is steady at 9-16v so a cycling variable heat controller doesn’t modulate the headlights brightness like it does with halogens. Plus if you get the 35w kit you get 3x more light using less power. I just did this install and wish I did it sooner.

__________________
2011 SUZUKI DL650 V-Strom ABS/Pearl Mirage White

Farkles: Aprilia Tuono mirrors / Pat Walsh Design Super Brace / DL1000 Seat / Givi engine guards / Madstad Bkt w/ OEM or Givi Shield / PL532 & E41nn / EB PC-8 - 2x power outlets - Datel Voltmeter - Stebel Horn with PWD setup - Digital Slim H4-3(9003) Bi-Xenon HID - 1157 LED Brake lights

Shiro Nakama Hachi

I'll look into it. Thanks!

__________________
2009 DL650 ABS (with touring kit)
2004 Honda ST1300

+1
Its quick and easy and does the job. You don't need both headlights anyway, especially in the daytime.

In the winter I run our '05 with heated grips plus heated jackets for me and my bride on the back. Never had a problem with that. The heaters in the jackets don't run full time, they cycle off and on. If you have a decent battery you should be OK. One of the jobs of the battery is to carry the load when demand exceeds supply from the generator. Again, the jackets are normally not on very much. The battery carries the surge and then recharges while the jackets "rest". No problems at all and we ride down to around 40-45 degrees.

__________________
'05 DL 650 Vstrom, Best value ride of all time.
'07 Triumph Tiger 1050 Feel the Power!
BMW K1200 GT, Gone but never forgotten

Happiness is having a motorcycle with more power than you will ever need.

What color temp did you go with?

Thanks,
Kevin

4300k, it's the most bang for the watts. it scatters less than the higher colors when there's moister in the air. And at night it doesn't put extra strain on the eyes.

__________________
2011 SUZUKI DL650 V-Strom ABS/Pearl Mirage White

Farkles: Aprilia Tuono mirrors / Pat Walsh Design Super Brace / DL1000 Seat / Givi engine guards / Madstad Bkt w/ OEM or Givi Shield / PL532 & E41nn / EB PC-8 - 2x power outlets - Datel Voltmeter - Stebel Horn with PWD setup - Digital Slim H4-3(9003) Bi-Xenon HID - 1157 LED Brake lights

Shiro Nakama Hachi

Thanks- just ordered the kit.

Qbird,

Enjoy

As you search for install instructions look here:
HID's

I did the second option where I drilled into the sub frame to install the ballasts. I was a little worried but love the finish product. (I also helped Campion install his as well)

Other things you will need are: (If you install it the same way)
-14g wire
-heat shielding
-3x6mm (2in long machine screws) if I remember correctly.
-nylon nuts
-three aluminum spacers
-zip ties

__________________
2011 SUZUKI DL650 V-Strom ABS/Pearl Mirage White

Farkles: Aprilia Tuono mirrors / Pat Walsh Design Super Brace / DL1000 Seat / Givi engine guards / Madstad Bkt w/ OEM or Givi Shield / PL532 & E41nn / EB PC-8 - 2x power outlets - Datel Voltmeter - Stebel Horn with PWD setup - Digital Slim H4-3(9003) Bi-Xenon HID - 1157 LED Brake lights

Shiro Nakama Hachi