So my 92 GS500 has been fine since I bought it almost a year ago. Even in this cold weather, it has started every time without hesitation. Except for some cold tires, it has run like that's its job.

Yesterday I'm leaving my school (I'm a teacher) get on the bike, pop the key in, headlight turns on (really bright, like always), clutch in, hit start. Nothing. Not even a crank. Makes a "rrrrrr" sound by the battery somewhere and my indicator lights dim (but not headlight). So I convince a leaving coworker to jump me. Almost in the same breath he says "Well it can't be your battery cause your headlight is on. Hope you know how to use these cables, cause I don't."

So I jump the bike, starts without hesitation. I rev it up a little. Idling with some choke it sounds like it's running rough a puttering some. I go straight home, all 5-10 minutes tops it takes me to get there. By the time I get home no choke and running great. Shut it off, turn it on. Repeat a few times. No hesitation, no fading lights, no rough running.
*It was on my battery tender jr for 2 days (monday tuesday) then I rode it to work and back wednesday, and thursday afternoon it wouldn't start.

As many times as people tell me "With lights on it can't be your battery" I've replaced batteries and seen cars run good as new (mine and customers when I worked at Advance Auto Parts for a few years). Does it sound like the battery, or is there something else on this bike it could be?

Battery would be the usual suspect - how old is the batt ? what brand, what type ?

But, that ' rrrrr sound ' - you think that was maybe starter spinning without engaging ?  not spinning the motor ?  still could be battery ...

Happy jumpstart says, pr'olly batt.

Otherwise, yes, could be other things...

Your friends are confusing "dead battery" with a battery with too little current available to start the engine. Voltage is not amperage... a lead acid battery at 10V will have enough power to run a headlight but not start the bike. I suspect the whirring you're hearing is a start system reacting to too little power available.

Check to see if your bike is charging first (use a digital voltmeter, voltage will rise a volt or so from engine off). If not, diagnose the issue and fix. Since it held a charge from your tender, I suspect you have a charging issue.

If it's charging and doing what you describe, then replace the battery.

Quote from: noiseguy on November 04, 2011, 05:41:29 AM
Your friends are confusing "dead battery" with a battery with too little current available to start the engine. Voltage is not amperage... a lead acid battery at 10V will have enough power to run a headlight but not start the bike. 

Check to see if your bike is charging first (voltage will rise a volt or so from engine off). If not, diagnose the issue and fix.

If it's charging and doing what you describe, then replace the battery.

Dang it!  I was just gonna say that...
Just because the lights work does not mean the battery is OK

Exactly what I thought I would hear. Thanks for the help guys!

Battery fluid levels?

As suggested, check battery fluid levels.

Also, 5 minute trips are not good for good battery life. You do take it on longer rides don't you?

Michael

You're right Michael, but at least he uses the battery tender.

I'd agree with checking the charging system, if it checks out OK and you don't know how old the battery is, replace it.