Headlights flickering on idle

[teef.au]

Hi Folks,

Early days for me as I learn to get along with my new (to me) TTSE. For reference it is a 2013 with 35 000klms.

After my first recent night ride, I have a minor annoyance. When I pull up to a set of traffic lights with the engine idling at what appears to be a shade over 1000RPM, the headlights flicker. It’s reasonably minor but noticeably different to my other bikes, which includes a Tiger Explorer.

I notice that if I increase the engine RPM by even the smallest amount, the flickering disappears immediately. It seems I am on the bottom edge of alternator output.

My main question is, do they all do this?

I haven’t checked anything and I have no idea how old the battery is. Thought I would ask if this is common behavior first.

[PhilInAthens]

I have a 2014 and I have not witnessed any flickering of the lights at idle.

[brenchley]

Originally Posted by teef.au

After my first recent night ride, I have a minor annoyance. When I pull up to a set of traffic lights with the engine idling at what appears to be a shade over 1000RPM, the headlights flicker. It’s reasonably minor but noticeably different to my other bikes, which includes a Tiger Explorer.

My 2014 TTSE, at 46,000+ miles recently started exhibiting a subtle headlight flicker at idle.  The known, "Low Voltage" indication was also beginning to appear every time at start up - before it was once in a while.

I removed the stock battery, a Yuasa YTX20L-BS, after about 2 years and 9 months use, replaced it with a Yuasa YTX20HL-BS and the flicker went away and I haven't seen the Low Voltage indication since, as well.   

[Travelling2bob]

Your battery is on the way out.

[earthman]

Battery could well be on it's way out but have you checked the terminals, are they clean and tight?

It's is 'normal' on other bikes that I've owned, for a very slight flicker to be seen whilst on tick over, I've not really noticed that on the Trophy though.

[teef.au]

Originally Posted by earthman

Battery could well be on it's way out but have you checked the terminals, are they clean and tight?

It's is 'normal' on other bikes that I've owned, for a very slight flicker to be seen whilst on tick over, I've not really noticed that on the Trophy though.

The battery has terminals? 

Seriously though no, I have yet to check. I think I might replace the battery now for three reasons:

- I have no reason to doubt the sincerity and competence of the advice given
- I have no idea how old it is
- Things aren't going to improve on their own, and it occurs to me, items like the ECU must hate voltage fluctuation, better to replace the battery now on a whim than face complications or a breakdown down the track.

Thanks for the advice folks 

[Wilko]

I have noticed the Low Voltage warning now and then, tonight after a short ride, on turning the ignition on, it was there again, and thinking about it, it's getting more common.
I think I will change it before my tour across Europe in August, seeing as I have a lifetime warranty on the bike if I have it serviced by the shop I bought it from, I will test them, although, I flatly refuse to go to them to service it, long story, but seeing as it's coming up to 20000 miles I'm going to blag it..........I'll keep you up dated.

[ShaunDW]

My 2015 TT has 44,000 miles on it, and I have also just noticed a flicker at idle. If I raise the revs slightly it goes away. I have seen no warning lights though.
I'll check the terminals this weekend, and probably give it a boost with my trusty old Optimate charger - see if that helps.