Reducing electrical loads
 

How much do you guys figure dropping a 60W load from the alternator would save?

I'm considering dropping my DRL on the Burgman.

60 watts is about .08 hp. Even assuming the alternator is only 50% efficiency, you'd be looking at a savings of .16 hp. I think the fuel economy increase would be at the limit of your ability to detect. However, it would make a difference, and everything helps?

-Steve

You can save another 40-150 watts by changing all the running / signal / brake lights to LEDs (depending on the car/number of bulbs),
at least at night.
If you do both changes at the same time, it might make a difference you can notice.

The 'burg has a built in alternator, right?

It probably only produces about 10-20 amps, max.

For posterity, the one on my tractor's engine is built in (it's part of the flywheel). It takes about .6 HP to make 15 amps @ 12VDC. (According to Briggs, IIRC)

15*12 = 180 watts

Assuming 50% efficiency, 180 watts takes about .5 HP to make, the rest of the power loss is heat, I presume.

If your 'Burg makes 50 HP max (unlikely, probably closer to 30), you're looking at 1-2% of your total output being used for max load on the alternator. Relatively insignificant, but you may get something from it.

I've tried that. The rear lights go in vertically through the bottom of the light pod, and auto-store LED's don't produce any viewable light from the rear.

And I don't have any money for anything else at the moment, unfortunately.

You would just need a right angle bulb, like this:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/store...157-w30-ra.jpg
Product Listing - CAR

Or a multi directional one like any of these:
1157 1156 Superlumination.com leds (Automotive Replacement Light Bulbs, Headlights, Foglights & Lamps)

I didn't realize at first it was for a motorcycle; so it would save all the time, not just at night.
I use them in my bike, very happy with them.

They are kind of expensive though.