Battery problems

[rod9169]

I have a 2001 GS500 and my bike is having trouble. I have bought 2 new batteries and still having the same problem. The bike starts fine for about a week or so and then the battery goes dead and I have to charge it. I have also started the bike and it has run fine than I get somewhere and come back 30 mins later and the battery is dead but the ignition, oil and headlight are on but the bike won't start so I end up push starting it. I am also having trouble cruising it seems like it takes it a second to get going. I switch gears and it has hardly any power and then it takes off to the speed it should have any ideas.

[tripleb]

sounds like you have some kind of charging issue

[beRto]

You can find a charging sytem troubleshooting guide on Kerry's website. I suggest you work your way through it:
http://www.bbburma.net/Documents/JohnBates_ChargingCircuitTests3.pdf

[Weepeel]

Are you charging the new battery before you drop it in the bike? 
My ol' pappy used to say that new batteries come with only about half a charge, and should be charged to full before being put to use... but good ol' pappy used to love the drink so he could be wrong.

[simoniz]

Your generator isn't charging the battery, I had the same problem twice, on a Yamaha FZR600 and a FZR1000 (which is why I don't ever buy Yamahas any more). Run the tests on the charging system, but I bet that's what you will find the problem is. Hunt for a rewound unit to replace it, new ones are outrageously priced.

[dchrist]

are you running any non-stock wiring? you could have something pulling juice from the battery if it wasn't installed correctly. I had this same problem with a battery. the PO had put on a bunch of running lights and they were draining the battery. I stripped em off and went back to stock wiring. no more problem.

d