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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: davesgs on October 12, 2008, 07:24:39 PM

Title: Battery charge
Post by: davesgs on October 12, 2008, 07:24:39 PM
Hi folks, anyone know what the first thing to do when your battery doesn't get charged (battery is new).  Been riding with it for two days then on the third day it's only clitty click.  Any thoughts where to start?  Thanks all.
Title: Re: Battery charge
Post by: Danny500 on October 12, 2008, 08:59:45 PM
Ensure the terminals are tight, ensure the ground is tight, ensure the solenoid connections are tight, ensure the starter solenoid connection is tight... um... make sure everything's tight.

Dan
Title: Re: Battery charge
Post by: LOUiE on October 12, 2008, 09:09:53 PM
any new electrical done?  signals?  tail-light?  hand-warmers?  could drain the bat if not wired properly.
Title: Re: Battery charge
Post by: davesgs on October 12, 2008, 09:24:10 PM
Is there a way to check if the bike is actually charging the battery?
Title: Re: Battery charge
Post by: fred on October 12, 2008, 10:18:50 PM
Quote from: davesgs on October 12, 2008, 09:24:10 PM
Is there a way to check if the bike is actually charging the battery?

Yes, grab a volt meter and measure the voltage across the battery when the bike is reving at 3K or more. You should see 14 volts or more. If not, your bike isn't charging the battery. Should take no more than a few minutes...
Title: Re: Battery charge
Post by: sledge on October 12, 2008, 11:33:04 PM
Dont dismiss the battery just because its new......get it load tested.
Title: Re: Battery charge
Post by: Roadstergal on October 13, 2008, 10:31:27 AM
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=38480.0
Title: Re: Battery charge
Post by: ATLRIDER on October 13, 2008, 12:30:35 PM
Question:
-Was the battery fully charged b4 install?
Title: Re: Battery charge
Post by: Roadstergal on October 13, 2008, 12:50:51 PM
Quote from: ATLRIDER on October 13, 2008, 12:30:35 PM
Question:
-Was the battery fully charged b4 install?


Good point - I didn't even think to ask.  Brand-new batteries need to be filled with acid and trickle-charged slowly for their first charge.
Title: Re: Battery charge
Post by: ATLRIDER on October 13, 2008, 12:58:31 PM
I've heard that you shouldn't try to even crank the starter until the battery charge is complete.  Otherwise you'll decrease the max charge capacity. Good way to ruin an otherwise good battery.
Title: Re: Battery charge
Post by: davesgs on October 13, 2008, 04:02:53 PM
Quote from: ATLRIDER on October 13, 2008, 12:30:35 PM
Question:
-Was the battery fully charged b4 install?

Yes, and it's been on a trickle charger for several days while I was working on the bike.  It's a 4-5 month old battery but was never actually used on the bike 'coz carbs were non functional and thanks to the buddha it's back alive.  I installed the carbs on a thursday and hooked the battery then, used the bike on a Friday and Saturday for a total of about 60 miles then on Sunday morning it's clitty click.
Title: Re: Battery charge
Post by: davesgs on October 13, 2008, 07:43:13 PM
Quote from: Roadstergal on October 13, 2008, 10:31:27 AM
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=38480.0

Roadstergal - thanks for the link - very helpful.  :thumb: