Flat battery - short journeys cause this?

Hi All,

Just got my 99 SV last week and been running it into work everyday (3 miles!). This morning I went to start it and it didn't catch straight away & drainned the battery. I've spoken with the local Bike guy and he said that the short runs I'm doing could cause the battery to not charge as I'm running my lights all the time (even when warming it up).

It does make sense but just wanted others opions as to if they think this could cause it....... forgot to mention when I got home it did start up and I'll be taking it for a nice run soon to try to charge the battery a bit.

[maviczap]

Battery might be on the way out

Mine started up fine, but just before the battery went, even the parking light would drain it quick.

If not the dreaded reg/rec problem

Do a search on here for the answers

Thanks, just before I brought the bike they installed a new battery. Really hoping that its not the dreaded reg/rec problem

[yorkie_chris]

Well charge the battery and check the charging system... if it is the reg rec then you don't want to add a new battery to the bill...

[embee]

.......and don't leave it idling to warm up, there really is no benefit to be had. Start it, let it settle for 20-30sec or so, ride off gently. Don't give it beans until it has warmed up properly, a few miles typically.

Useful charging system check flow chart
http://www.electrosport.com/technica...ng-diagram.pdf

A cheap multimeter is a worthwhile investment, no real need to spend lots of money if you're not going to be using it in anger, they can be had for £5 or £10.

[mep]

I once bought a new Yausa battery and it was a dud - It does happen. I replaced it with a lovely new Motobatt one that was the business.

3 miles to work! I moved house and now live 2.5 miles from work and cycle in as I do not want to ruin my SV with such regular short journeys. I'm not syaing you should cycle but long term this will not help your battery, engine or fuel consumption. Is there a 'long way round' you can use for your commute that is about 5-6 miles?

Edit - consider a battery optimser of some sort.

Thanks everyone, since not having the lights on and doing larger runs (6 miles) to & from work its all sorted!

I know I should cycle to work but in truth I'm very lazy and like the idea to riding to work! Hopefully this wont ruin my SV as my wife said to me the other day "its like you've fallen in love with someone else"........

[yorkie_chris]

If it does flatten it if you use the lights I would definitely recommend you check the charging with a voltmeter, it is a 10 minute job.

[Sid Squid]

Originally Posted by Zorba

Thanks everyone, since not having the lights on and doing larger runs (6 miles) to & from work its all sorted!.

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

If it does flatten it if you use the lights I would definitely recommend you check the charging with a voltmeter, it is a 10 minute job.

Agreed. If it can't support the lights then the charging system is weak.

Understood, time to hit up my neighbour for his voltmeter, thanks for the advise guys!