Electrical system question

[Blackbomber]

I have a 2006 TNG Milano two stroke (ML492). I bought the bike in non running condition, and it did not include a headlight bulb. The day I got it running, I bought a 55/60 watt H4 automotive bulb. I have since learned that the correct spec for this bike is 35/35 watt. I am not running the 3 watt city light (didn't come with the bike either, and headlight is always on per US regs, so what's the point). The charging system seems to be having no problem. My battery does not hold a charge overnight, but I can ride for an hour with the high beam on most of the time, and the electric start will work stronger after the ride than before it. Besides being hesitant to buy another bulb, I'm quite happy with the light output. Is there any risk for me to damage my regulator or stator by running with this extra load?
And just to be clear, I will be purchasing another battery soon.

[harry]

just because the headlamp is capable of using 55-60 watts
doesn't mean the system is delivering the higher wattage.
the HL is just running on what the system outputs.

its a good thing to have a battery even a weak one in the system
running without one can blow the HL or other things.

oilyhans

[Blackbomber]

Interesting. So my take on this answer is that I'm not going to hurt anything by running this way for now, and next time I'll know better?

As for the battery, it is in there. I just found my VOM, so now I can see if the issue is in the battery itself, or some draw in the system. That was why I was dragging my feet in replacing the batt.

I'm also thinking of buying some fresh electrolyte to try in this battery before scrapping it, since it was practically dry when I got it, and I added distilled water (quite a bit) to get it going. I'll need the electrolyte if I mail order my replacement battery anyhow.

[Blackbomber]

Oh, and thanks as always!

[harry]

most batteries come with a acid pack you add to the battery
when you charge them for the first time . makes for longer shelf life
at the retailers shop. plus the hazardous spill scenario is mostly
eliminated.
one other category is glass mat packed batteries they come ready to charge.
then there is the add your own electrolyte old style battery.

if your battery is not holding a charge just replace it.

oilyhans

[Blackbomber]

I've been mega busy, so I haven't been posting. Just to update this thread, I did get a new battery. Thanks for setting me straight, Harry. I take this frugality to extremes at times. Anyway, the battery went flat the next morning. I had also noticed that as the temperature has been dropping, I noticed that warming up the bike on the stand resulted in a quickly fouled plug. A light bulb went off in my head, and I switched the connectors for the autochoke and what I now believe to be the underseat battery tender hookup. Both problems solved. I guess my autochoke was draining the battery, and overfueling the bike at idle as well.
I no longer have the old battery to see if that would still be good - traded in for the core. Oh well.

[Blackbomber]

Oh, and I forgot to mention: The electrical system has held up fine in the 100 or so KM's have put on it with that 55/60 bulb. One thing I noticed, though is that the headlight dims when I apply the brake. It's kind of annoying, but I assume I'm not getting LESS light than if I had the correct 30/30 bulb in there, just loosing some of the surplus. This occurs with either low beam or high.