I seem to be having battery problems. The starter will turn, but if bike doesnt start right off, there isnt enough juice for a second try. Bike does bump start. I replaced the battery in August and havent had problems until recently. I checked for voltage going back to the battery when running and it seems fine(at least 13.5 volts at 3200 rpm). I am thinking I may have a short somewhere which is draining the battery. Any suggestions how to find it? I have a 1996 VFR Thanks' Bikermike
I would start by disconnecting the positive battery terminal and putting a test light between the connector and the battery post. If the test light comes on pretty bright it means you have current flowing and something is draining the battery. I assume that VFR has a fuse box somewhere, so start pulling fuses untill the test light glows a little less bright. If your bike has a clock or something that is always running you will always at least a small draw on the battery. If after all the fuses are out the light still glows you should check the wiring from the battery to the fuse box or starter. Unfortunately it's all just a process of elemination. If the light doesn't come on you likely just aren't getting the Amps out of the charging system.
Hmmm take the battery to a shop that can load test it, could save you alot of grieve in the long run. I've seen fairly new batterys give up way earlier than expected
Put the battery on a charger, a relatively new battery should charge pretty quick. Then check the voltage across positive and negative. You are looking for around 12.8V. Much less than that (say 12v) and the battery is bad. If the battery is discharging without being recharged, that will kill the battery. A bad r/r will kill a battery too.
I have had the same problems with my 98. Have you ever replaced the regulator/rectifier? The batteries and r/r's are often naughty in those bikes. Sometimes the batteries get weak, as do the r/r's, and they kill each other trying to stay up. If you have the Honda manual (a must!) you can track it down. A lot depends on how often you use it. Get a trickle charger and charge battery often if you don't run it every day if you haven't already. Not sure if any of this helps, but good chance it is along those lines. Has it ever died while riding and not started back?
