Hi all --Portland OR.

Went to start my new used 2004 GS (in open city garage, near 35 degrees at night) and it wouldn't start. Made turning over sounds, then rapid clicking. Lights still work and horn too, although weak. Crap.

FB10L-B2 battery has leaked some already although the bike is just over a year old. Hopefully the problem is just the battery. And if so, why did it leak and die already? Previous owner lived in Colorado, where the winters I assume get pretty cold, maybe it froze.

My main question is, what is the best replacement battery to buy, and from where? Yuasa sounds like a good brand but I can't find a really good comparison website out there.

Thanks
Kyle

Have you tried run starting it?  Know anybody with a charger you could hook it up to?  How about refilling it (distilled water only)?  Your battery is definitely drained, but it might not be "dead".  

First thing to do, whether you need a new battery or not, is to get a battery charger/tender.  The "Battery Tender Jr." is like $20 and will keep your battery ready to go, and will even recharge it if necessary.  

If you need a new one, I'm of the opinion that batteries are batteries.  I have an Energizer brand that I got from Pep Boys.  Good price, 2 years and going strong.  Some people will suggest that you get a sealed (ie car type) battery, but I think the plain motorcycle/atv type are fine.  You won't have to worry about fooling around with the battery box, or the wiring, or anything else.  Just take the old one out, put the new one in, and you're off.  

jeff

+1 Wot Jeff said. If you need to get some where just bump start it (that is; turn it on, put it in gear, pull in the clutch, run while pushing the bike, jump on the bike, and let out the clutch). Otherwise, check the fluid and charge up the batt. If all else fails, and the battery is under warranty...take it back to the dealer.

Quote from: scratchrun while pushing the bike, jump on the bike

You can actually do this!!??  

This would be a surefire drop for me!  :dunno:

Like riding a bicycle...

Here's my instructions for run starting the bike.  

Get on the bike, preferably at the top of a gentle decline.  
Make sure the key is in, the ignition is on, etc.  Full choke.
Pull in the clutch, and put the bike into 2nd gear.  Yes, second gear.  It works better this way.  Keep the clutch pulled in.  
Start running down the hill as fast as you can, while on the bike.  You'll look silly.  
Once you're up to a good speed, say close to 10 mph, release the clutch quickly.  What should happen here is the momentum of the bike will provide the power (through the rear wheel & drive chain) needed to get the crankshaft turning.  This in turn provides the tiny bit of juice needed for the plugs to fire, even with a dead battery, and once that happens the engine will continue to run on it's own.
Here's the trick to make sure it works - once you hear the engine fire a time or two, pull the clutch back in.  Very shortly after you let the clutch out, that momentum you used to get the engine turning will be gone, and now the engine will be trying to move the bike.  By pulling the clutch back in once the engine starts, you remove that load and make it easier for the engine to keep running.  
Let the bike run for a while, take it for a spin, and let the battery get a charge back.  If all is well, it'll start right up the next time.  

I have no idea how you'd do this if you're short.  Running alongside the bike and then leaping on, while holding the clutch in, sounds like a recipe for disaster  :lol:

jeff

Quote from: Jeff PI have no idea how you'd do this if you're short.  Running alongside the bike and then leaping on, while holding the clutch in, sounds like a recipe for disaster

It takes experience. It would be safer to be on the bike and have someone push you. The reason for jumping on the bike is to force the tire to maintain contact with the ground so it'll turn over the motor. This can also be done when on the bike (stand on the pegs and when you pop the clutch, slam yourself onto the seat).

Quote from: scratchIt takes experience. It would be safer to be on the bike and have someone push you. The reason for jumping on the bike is to force the tire to maintain contact with the ground so it'll turn over the motor. This can also be done when on the bike (stand on the pegs and when you pop the clutch, slam yourself onto the seat).

Interesting.  I just run along, sit down and put my feet on the pets when I'm up to speed, and pop the clutch.    

I do know that trying to do it in 1st gear results in the rear wheel skidding, which is what I think you're describing.  Try it in 2nd.

jeff

I only weigh 125lbs.

Batteries are pretty basic. Lead and acid. Just about any one will do as long as it's the right size and fits into the hole. It sounds like yours is physically damaged. Did it get discharged and freeze?

Go to your local Kmart, Walmart (ugh), or NAPA and get the cheapest one that fits.

Then buy a "Batter Tender, " a must if you ever need to let your bike sit for more than a month. Search Google for it, and read all the great info abouit batteries. Have fun.

Kyle, I agree with the recomendation to buy the "Battery Tender Jr".  For a small lead acid battery it is all you need.  Much safer than a simple "trickle" charger that can over charge your battery. I use the "Jr." on my GS500E with no problems.  During the winter it is important that your battery not be allowed to discharge.  A fully charged battery will not freeze until way below zero.  A discharged battery will easily freeze and be ruined.  Good luck and enjoy your bike.

i see yall are recommending the cheapest batteries.  i disagree.  i have gone through countless bikemaster, champions, etc and the only one that has lasted the longest was the yuasa.  

yuasa + battery tender = excellent setup that battery will last for years

I second the yuasa + battery tender.

I bought a battery tender at walmart for like $20 and took the battery out of my bike for the winter. I have not used the tender yet b/c my dad suggested that the battery only needs to be charged two or three hours a month during the winter. Is it true or should I keep it charged everyday until the spring comes around?

If you have the battery in a heated area you will be OK charging it once a month.  Even if it discharges some, it won't be able to freeze.

Why not a glass mat gel battery? They hold up to vibration and abuse much better than a standard wet acid type battery.

Battery Tender is designed to be left on the battery for a long time. Once the battery is charged, it goes to a hibernation state and only kicks back on if needed. I kept mine hooked up from October to March last year and the battery was like brand new when I fired it up in the spring. Taking it off and using it once a month defeats the purpose of buying it in the first place.