Hard starting/flat battery.
 

Today threw up something and I was wondering if anyone could shed any light on what the problem might be.

I started the bike as normal and it fired and then died. I thought this was because I forgot the choke (correct me if I'm wrong) but when I tried to crank it again the battery didnt have enough juice to get it going. I jumped it from the car, put some jump cables in my bag and headed off for a nice 100 mile ride. I stopped a couple of times throughout, for fuel and a rest, and it started no problem both times. Then towards the end I pulled over in a slightly remote spot (to take some pics for the org no less), forgot to put it in neutral before kicking the stand down and it died. Tried to start it (in neutral) but it wasnt having it. At this point I swore at my jump leads which were useless without another vehicle, as I couldnt see anyone for miles, and took some pics. After about 5 mins of swearing and photographing I tried again to start it and just got it to fire, but it wasnt exactly happy.

So, there appears to be something up in the charging/battery area that only strikes after it has stalled. Anyone with any thoughts?

Forgot to say, I've not got a multimeter at the moment but will pick one up soon enough.

Thanks guys and gals :notworthy::notworthy:

Re: Salight problem with my bike...
 

Can a mod please fix my title?

Re: Salight problem with my bike...
 

Check the charging system, it sounds like your reg-rec could be on its way out. If this checks out ok then it's new battery time.

Re: Hard starting/flat battery.
 

Sounds like either reg/rec or battery.

Easy enough to check the voltage at the battery before starting and with the engine running at 2000rpm.

At 2000rpm the alternator should be lifting the battery voltage and charging it. If the voltage is up when the engine is running then the battery may be end of life.

Re: Hard starting/flat battery.
 

+ 1 to the above, had the same symptoms as your describing and needed a new battery.

Oh, and Batteryman is the man you want if thats the case :thumbsup: top service and price !

Re: Hard starting/flat battery.
 

Finally had a chance to have a look at this today and I think my battery is FUBARed.

Battery wont hold a charge for more than a day and I have to jump it. Voltage across the terminals its noticeably higher when its running (cant be more specific, got a balls battery checker thing with LEDs rather than a proper display, multimeter in the post) so I think its charging ok.

Took the battery to Halfords for a check and their test came back saying it was dead and unservicable. I've no reason to dount their machine but I'm always a little sceptical when the result of the free test encourages me to spend money with them.

Do people think its safe to get a new battery or should I wait till my multimeter arrives and do the full alternator, reg rec test routine? I want to be able to ride this weekend (bank holiday FTW!) but dont want to waste 50 pounds on a battery only to discover the problem is elsewhere.

Thanks in advance .orgers

Re: Hard starting/flat battery.
 

I don't think a knackered reg/rec fubar's up a battery straight away as it will only over charge it over a period of time. I'd imagine if you were only doing a couple of hundred miles you'd get away with it.

Re: Hard starting/flat battery.
 

Wait till you get the multimeter and do the test properly. Its the only way your going to be sure.

Re: Hard starting/flat battery.
 

Mines been the same, i'll get a new battery eventually. Im happy bump starting it for the moment ;-)

Re: Hard starting/flat battery.
 

I was, until I realised I had to stop for petrol :(