[kenfyoozed]

So I park the cycle in the driveway, and head inside for a while. I come back out to move the t-dub into the bar for the night. I crank via the electric starter for about 10 secs and get nothing, try another 5 ... nothing. Then i realise i had turn the fuel off. So i switch fuel on, wait about 5 secs the attempt to start for another 5, nothing happens. So i keep doing this cycle about 3 times more, and each time i can here the starter slowing down and the battery draining, Finally it wont even turn over. So i begin kicking it over. About the 3rd time she fires off and starts.. So long story to get to my question. I have read that these bikes have weak electrical systems. Did I really run the battery out that quick? or Am i having other issues? Bike will run without battery, and all lights work. And battery is new, only 4 days old. Thoughts?

 

[iowatdub]

Check your water levels in the battery. I had a similar problem and filled it and now it has stayed charged well for the last year or so. Im on my 3rd battery on my 2008

 

[assquatch20]

What he said about water levels. Try a gel battery when it's time for a new one. The starters on these aren't the best though.

 

[Hiway]

Also investing in a battery tender to plug your bike into will easily pay for itself. Bikes are notoriously hard on batteries.

 

[Xracer]

If your battery checks out but still goes dead after riding the bike a few days have your voltage regulator tested. My 03 did the same thing and it turns out that was the problem.

 

[mrlmd]

If your battery is new and only 4 days old, and it is an AGM battery as most motorcycle batteries are, you have to CHARGE IT UP FULLY BEFORE FIRST USE, or the battery will never hold a full charge. It will start your bike a few times, then die. You cannot take a new battery out of the box, fill it with acid, put it in the bike and go - it must be put on a charger first. You cannot rely on the salesman in the battery store saying just put it in the bike, it's good to go. You must personally charge it so you know it's been done. If these batteries are not fully charged before using them, they will prematurely fail and you will be back at the store getting another replacement. This is in the instructions you get with all of these, it is from talking to Yuasa, and personal experience with three brand new batteries until I got educated.

In all likelihood, there is nothing wrong with your bike, it is the battery. You can try and charge it (on not more than a 2 amp charger) and see if you can resurrect it, otherwise charge it up and bring it back where you got it and have them put it on a load tester and you will see that it's shot. When you get a new one, get yourself a charger with the plug-in cable connector to the battery and you'll be all set for any further problems.

 

[kenfyoozed]

I did not charge it as the salesman said it didn't need it. I'll attempt charging tonight. I plan on the hollow mod as well so ill need to research a slimmer battery for that. Thanks guys.

 

[evan]

NEVER listen to a salesman. Must be fully charged before using it.

 

[jbfla]

NEVER listen to a salesman. Must be fully charged before using it.

+ 1



If you find you need a new battery, get an AGM sealed type. No acid to spill, or water levels to check.



It must be fully charged before using also.



Jb

 

[mrlmd]

Your battery is probably no good - charge it up and bring it back to the store like I said, for a load test, and when they replace it because it failed, get yourself an appropriate charger too.

All AGM's have to be fully charged before first use.

 

[retmotor]

NEVER listen to a salesman...

Wiser words have never been spoken.



Mrlmd nailed it on the battery. Follow his advice.

 

[kenfyoozed]

Your battery is probably no good - charge it up and bring it back to the store like I said, for a load test, and when they replace it because it failed, get yourself an appropriate charger too.

All AGM's have to be fully charged before first use.

you were spot on. I charged the battery and no good. So back to the store it will go and we will see what they say........ Might as well get one of those slim line batteries for the hollow mods. Anyone got a part number for a sealed slim line battery handy?

 

[peruano]

Ken,

Let's clarify a couple of things.

"So I park the cycle in the driveway, and head inside for a while. I come back out to move the t-dub into the bar for the night. I crank via the electric starter for about 10 secs and get nothing, try another 5 ... nothing. Then i realise i had turn the fuel off. So i switch fuel on, wait about 5 secs the attempt to start for another 5, nothing happens. So i keep doing this cycle about 3 times more, and each time i can here the starter slowing down and the battery draining, Finally it wont even turn over. "

1. You did it right to give it a try. Wait a few seconds and try again. Had you kept grinding until the battery paled it would have died sooner.

2. There must be a reason that you bike didn't start on the first or second try. One possibility is that you had the bike in gear but were trying it with the clutch lever disengaging but still dragging on the motor. My bike almost never will start if the bike is in gear, but always does if the tranny is in neutral. The motor needs to spin well to generate enough spark to fire the engine. I'm doubtful that your failure to turn on the gas was the problem (your float bowl has enough gas to run a city block) unless you have carb problems.

So weak battery, bike not eager to start for some reason, and ultimately frustration for you. A better charged battery will help but you may have to learn other eccentricities of the bike to fire it up under all conditions. Good luck. (My apologies to those who have heard the clutch vs. neutral dilemma before but its one that catches a lot of folks). Tom

 

[kenfyoozed]

Thats a good assessment. Looking back, i cant remember if the engine was cold or still warm. I would asuume warm, as i dont think it was over an hour. It was parked on an incline, so maybe that helped drain some fuel from the bowl? I do know that if the choke isnt on when cold she will never fire off. But since then i have been starting with just the kick start, and it takes 6-8 kicks to get her fired off. Reminds me of an old 4 stroke dirt bike my firnd had that would only start on a kick if it was in the right compression stroke. I do have a new carb sitting on the table awaiting a new jet and bowl screws. So the carb will be out of the question soon.... But i wouldnt rule out i had it in gear as i have done that before,....

 

[kenfyoozed]

Well got the battery replaced with the same type. So i now have it charging on 2amps. Live and learn, and thank you very much......

 

[mrlmd]

Leave it on the charger for 4-6 hrs or so, at 2 amps it should be completely charged. You should get yourself a dedicated motorcycle battery charger, like a Battery Tender or similar. Most are rated at 1.5 amps max charge, then they won't overheat or boil the battery. If you charge it up at too high an amperage you can damage the battery. Most of the motorcycle battery chargers come with a quick connect pigtail that permanently attaches to the battery terminals so you can hook up the charger in just a few seconds if you ever need it.

 

[kenfyoozed]

Leave it on the charger for 4-6 hrs or so, at 2 amps it should be completely charged. You should get yourself a dedicated motorcycle battery charger, like a Battery Tender or similar. Most are rated at 1.5 amps max charge, then they won't overheat or boil the battery. If you charge it up at too high an amperage you can damage the battery. Most of the motorcycle battery chargers come with a quick connect pigtail that permanently attaches to the battery terminals so you can hook up the charger in just a few seconds if you ever need it.

Thank you very much for your help. My 09 has the battery tender installed, but no charger. So ill be getting one of those very soon.