Battery Replacement

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dyzio · #16 Post by **dyzio** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 9:02 pm

I started using the bike a month ago, it had a varta battery fitted 18months ago (according to the previous owner).

I knew about the Faclos' starting issues, so I've put in a Yamaha starter relay and did the wire mod (but can't remember the voltages I'm getting, will measure them tomorrow, as well as check for a current leak).
I used to plug it in to the Maximiser every 1-3 days and all was fine, so I've stopped doing so about a week ago.
Results were that I had 1 dash reset yesterday morning and a flat battery today afternoon, despite it being on the Maximiser overnight.

I'm thinking that the daily commute isn't enough to keep the battery properly charged

, but I'll try to take the rear fairing off and inspect the realay and the brown connector (the white one disappeared with the wire mod).

I'm not too bothered if it turns out I would have to plug it in to the Maximiser every night, as long as it starts fine before and after work. My worry would be if I get stuck somewhere in the middle of nowhere with no current to start the bike :/.

D-Rider · #17 Post by **D-Rider** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 10:28 pm

dyzio wrote:I take it that a 10 mile commute is not enough to keep the battery charged properly then (with the wire mod done on a 18month old battery)?

Original Battery, bike nearly 4 yrs old, no wire mod, commute of 3.5 miles each way.

Seldom goes on the charger ..... maybe once every couple of months.

Aladinsaneuk · #18 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 10:36 pm

suspect that the battery is shagged mate....

I have a yuasa that is at least three years old - but i use an optimate just about every day....

dyzio · #19 Post by **dyzio** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 10:37 pm

D-Rider wrote: Original Battery, bike nearly 4 yrs old, no wire mod, commute of 3.5 miles each way.

Seldom goes on the charger ..... maybe once every couple of months.

That's my brilliant theory gone then... :/

So what's left? Check the previously mentioned voltages, current, inspect connectors: battery, relay, ground - where does this one live? + brown connector, I think I'll put some conducting paste /grease thing in it as well.

And if it doesn't help, a new battery :/

Aladinsaneuk wrote:suspect that the battery is shagged mate....

I have a yuasa that is at least three years old - but i use an optimate just about every day....

More then likely Pete... The previous owner wasn't using it regularly and it wasn't kept on any sort of optimate either.

I'm trying to avoid a situation where I put a new battery into a buggered charging system.

D-Rider · #20 Post by **D-Rider** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 10:47 pm

Yep ... check contacts clean and tight.

Then suspect battery

Kenif · #21 Post by **Kenif** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 10:51 pm

Dunno if it will help but I ended up getting the insanely expensive SVR battery from Tanya for my Mille. Had already changed the starter relay (same probs as Falco) but still had the dash reset shenanigans until I changed the battery. Currently only have a 5 mile commute and, on the rare occasions I bother, sticking it on a charger isn't needed as the battery always stays charged!

Wouldn't normally advocate the most expensive option but, if you need the bike everyday, sometimes it's worth it

Mind you, replacing the sprag clutch shortly afterwards hasn't hurt either....

dyzio · #22 Post by **dyzio** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 5:05 pm

That's my battery buggered then...

Left it on the Maximiser fot about 20h, disconnected, measured on the battery:
- 12.74 V and 1.93 mA - which I think is what the normal current should be on "stand by".

Tried to run it but nothing... voltage across the battery dropped to 3V when I tried to fire it up.
What worries me as well is that the Oxford Maximiser 365T i use was showing that the battery is holding charge, is there a way of testing it?

Them Westco batteries, are they good? Or is it better to browse for a Varta or a Yausa battery and pay a few extra quid?