Non starter after 7-months of storage.

I moved last year from CA to TX and had to keep my first bike (2005 SV650S) in storage for 7 months. I just got it back and it wont start when i turn the ignition key on - nothing at all happens.

I noticed the start switch was in the "on" position so i suspect it was kept this way for all this time and drained the battery. Any other diagnosis out there? And although not too girlie i'm no expert mechanic, so pardon the basic question but should i charge or change the battery, and how to do so?

Thanks much in advance to all the good, expert souls on this forum who can take a minute to share the SV wisdom.

Peace,
Agnes

[flymo]

Yes, charging the battery should be number 1 on the list. Ideally get yourself an Optimate type charger and connect it up for a day or so.

Your bike may splutter to life due to the fuel being old. Give it a tank of fresh gas if you can.

If you need more help getting the battery charged give us a shout on here and we'll walk you through it.

[Biker Biggles]

Assuming it was the original 2005 battery in it and then it got left without a charge for seven months I would bet on the battery being beyond redemption.They dont like being left without maintenance for long so Id budget for a new one and Id invest in a trickle charger to prevent it happening again.

Thanks for the ultra quick responses! Yes it was the original 05 battery, so i guess i'll invest in a new one and a charger. Is an Optimate and a trickle charger the same thing? And yes, i have no clue what im doing so if you can spare some advice as to how to change/charge the bloody thing itd be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again and safe rides!
A

[Stu]

No they are not the same thing. (but similar) an Optimate is a battery conditioner & can do lots of wonderful things like cycle through charge /discharge and can be safey left connected to a battery for years at a time. A trickle charger is just a battery charger with a small current so should be safe to connect for a long time - not sure how long though.
If I was you, I would buy a charger or optimate first & try that on your current battery before you buy a new one.
Other things to check once you have charged your battery are clutch switch (electrical connection under the clutch lever) is properley plugged in. Flip the kill switch off and on again and make sure the neutral light is on incase the side stand switch is not working.