Spada voltmeter

[David 54]

1983 Spada, the voltmeter fluctuates, always right of centre when lights off, but very much to the left when headlights on (sometimes just into the "red"), the ignition light goes out normally with increase in revs. Battery (Odyssey) seems fine. Are these voltmeters reliable, should I be worried?
Thank you

[atavar]

compare it to a reading at the battery with a trusted volt meter.

[Kiwi_Roy]

The Voltmeters are probably reliable, it's the wiring that lets them down.
Is a Spada an SP II, if not the wiring is probably similar
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/guzzi007/schematics/1983_SP_II.gif
I wouldn't worry too much as long as the bike is starting but clean the ignition switch
contacts and fuse contacts, I think you will find a big improvement.

It looks as though the lights and Voltmeter well after the ignition switch and fuses so there's
probably quite a bit of Voltage drop, I suspect the battery is ok.
Give everything the once over, you might find the lights improve.

I usually suggest adding a new 40 Amp main fuse at the battery for these old girls, cheap insurance
against a total melt down.

[Tom]

The dash volt meter and dash light are okay to use.  I check them against a meter at the battery connections.  I load test the battery too.