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.

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

any new electrical done?  signals?  tail-light?  hand-warmers?  could drain the bat if not wired properly.

Is there a way to check if the bike is actually charging the battery?

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...

Dont dismiss the battery just because its new......get it load tested.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=38480.0

Question:
-Was the battery fully charged b4 install?

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.

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.

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.

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.