Battery issue - don't know what to think

[Tigerrrr.......]

Just had my 2003 SV650S in for a service. I don't ride it very often but it's on an Optimate in the garage 24/7. The Optimate has always shown a green status light.

When I took it out the garage to ride it to the dealer and pushed the start button, it fired up immediately as usual.

The dealer called me later and said they'd run the bike but it had died and the battery needed replaced.

What I can't understand is why the battery needs replaced. I know it's the original battery and is 20 years old which is way over its normal service life but the Optimate shows it's in perfect condition.

Am I missing something?

Thanks.

[redtrummy]

20 yr old!! Never heard of a battery lasting that long! Guess a plate could have buckled or internal corrosion finally could have taken its toll. You have done well.

[admin]

I was thinking much the same. Most of my batteries have only lasted 5 years the exception was the VFR which lasted 10 but I used a cheap Aldi battery tender on that bike.

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[garynortheast]

I think I'd be counting my blessings there at it having last for such a phenomenally long time!

[admin]

I wouldn't rely on what the Opimate is telling you. I'm not sure what it's measuring, internal resistance and voltage perhaps but a battery will always react differently under load .

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[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by admin

I wouldn't rely on what the Opimate is telling you. I'm not sure what it's measuring, internal resistance and voltage perhaps but a battery will always react differently under load .

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My Opti 3 alternates between telling me Hugh's battery is Strong and Weak every time I go in the garage it seems. So I don't 100% trust it. It's also quite possible that your bike is not charging it while running, hence not starting at the dealers. Or they could be fibbing to upsell you a battery of course...