Voltmeter with a generator

[ahshoe]

I am just finishing a project. It has a brand new generator and regulator (polarized). I just installed an under dash voltmeter. Starting the vehicle up and idling it has about 12.5 volts.About the same with more RPM's.... I am used to (other projects) that have a bigger output "alternators" usually showing about 14 volts. Is it normal for a generator system to only put out just over 12 volts to a voltmeter guage?