Pennsylvania Code
Title 67 - TRANSPORTATION
Part I - Department of Transportation
Subpart A - Vehicle Code Provisions
Article VII - Vehicle Characteristics
Chapter 175 - VEHICLE EQUIPMENT AND INSPECTION
Subchapter O - VEHICLE SUN SCREENING DEVICES
Appendix B - MOTORCYCLE AND MOTOR VEHICLE CYCLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (MAINTENANCE OF DESIGN VOLTAGE)-SAE J392
SAE Recommended Practice
1. Purpose-This SAE Recommended Practice provides minimum illumination voltage values for motorcycle and motor-driven cycle electrical systems and accompanying test procedures. (Note: Wherever the word "motorcycle" appears in the report, it is understood to include "motor-driven cycle.")
2. Scope-This recommended practice pertains to both battery-equipped and batteryless motorcycle electrical systems.
3. Test Apparatus:
3.1. Voltmeter-0-20 V maximum full-scale deflection, accuracy +1/2% (two voltmeters required).
3.2. Ammeter-Capable of carrying full system load current. Accuracy +3%FS.
3.3. Means for Measuring Engine RPM-Accuracy +3%.
4. Test Procedure.
4.1. Install fully charged original equipment battery on the motorcycle (if motorcycle is battery equipped).
4.1.1. Battery temperature to be 80 + or -10F.
4.2. Connect one voltmeter between the headlamp low beam terminal and the ground; connect the other voltmeter between the tail lamp terminal and the ground.
4.3. Connect the ammeter in series with the battery. (Note: Disregard paragraph 4.3 for batteryless machines.)
4.4. Start engine and turn on headlamp(s).
4.4.1. Switch headlamp to the low beam position.
4.4.2. External fan cooling may be applied to the motor cycle engine.
4.5. Run the engine at an rpm equivalent to 30 mph in top gear for 10 minutes.
4.5.1. Record the lowest and highest headlamp voltage and tail lamp voltage observed during the 10 minute period.
4.6. Increase speed to manufacturer's suggested maximum rpm.
4.6.1. Record the highest and lowest headlamp and tail lamp voltages observed during a 5-second period.
4.7. Run the engine at manufacturer's rated idle speed for 10 minutes.
4.7.1. Record the lowest and highest tail lamp voltage observed during the 10 minute period.
4.7.2. Record the lowest and highest headlamp voltage observed during the 10-minute period.
4.8. Slowly increase the engine speed until generating equipment cancels the system load, indicated by "0" reading on the ammeter. (Note: Disregard paragraph 4.8 for batteryless motorcycles.)
4.8.1. Record the engine rpm at ammeter zero point.
5. Test Limits:
5.1. Voltages recorded in paragraphs 4.5.1, 4.6.1 and 4.7.1 shall be between 80% and 120% of the rate headlamp design voltage.
5.2. Voltages observed in paragraph 4.7.2 shall be between 40% and 120% of the rated headlamp design voltage.
5.3. Engine rpm observed in paragraph 4.8.1 shall be less than the motorcycle equivalent speed at 30 mph in top gear operation.
(Report of Motorcycle Committee and Lighting Committee approved December 1969. Editorial change November 1971.)
This appendix cited in 67 Pa. Code § 175.146 (relating to lighting and electrical systems).
