Battery Died

So I used my bike last night and this morning. Went to see my kids (3Km away) about an hour ago, was there for about 15mins, came out and it wouldn't start. Jump started it and got home and put the meter on it, shows 12 odd volts but drops to 5 when you try start it. The battery is 10 days shy of 2 years old, is it normal for them to fail so suddenly? (obivously can't do any R/R checks right now until I can replace/source a good battery) Another question, tried the standard cranking it with the lights on trick but they don't dim at all, (starter won't even click though, it clicks if you turn them off) is the vfr wired differently in that respect? Thanks.

 

Over here in in the new world, there is a mechanical link in the starter button that kills the lights. This is to reduce the load on the battery, while engaging the starter. Normal battery life is usually 4-6 years, but they can die at any time, for one of many reasons.


:crazy:

 

So I removed the "Do Not Remove" top on the battery (figured it was shot anyway) to discover that it was bone dry! Filled it and gave it a quick charge. Bike fired up easily and charge rate seems ok if not a touch on the low side (12.9 at idle with the lights on bright, but up around 14+ when you rev it). So with any luck I've dodged a bullet there. Regarding my lights, they are on their own switch, probably a different spec to the US models.

 

That battery is not long for this world if it was dry. Your R/R cooked it.

 

The real concern should be, that a iffy battery will probably cook your R/R. :tongue:

:crazy:

 

It gets worse! :frown: What I don't understand is that the bike is charging fine, (I check my voltages regularly) hopefully I can save the plug and just fit a new connector. Thanks for the help guys.

 

So I have decided to get a new battery anyway before I can go any further, problem is they can only get one next week. In the meantime I was wondering if I could hook up a car battery to check the condition of the R/R. Do you think that would be a good idea or would it give me false readings? Thanks.

 

The car battery will represent a different load, so if the readings you get aren't what you expect don't be surprised. If, OTOH, the readings look normal the R/R is probably okay.

I agree with the comment that the battery is not long for this world. Replacement is a good idea no matter what else you do.

 

Yeah, I suspected as much, just driving me mad looking at the sick bike and not knowing what's really wrong with it. Took the battery in to be tested and found out some interesting things (don't know if it's common knowledge but I'll pass it on anyway) When a battery is not used regularly it gets "sulffation" (I think that's the term they used, build up between the plates I would imagine) and apparently when you charge it (riding) that causes it to evaporate the water. It will also not take a charge beyond a certain point either. My VFR is used at least once a week so I don't know how it happened, but maybe a battery tender would be a good idea in the future.

 

My last battery purchase was seven years ago (I have four bikes). All of my bikes are on a tender when not being ridden (and parked at home). The going price for a 'Jr.' is between 25 and 30 bucks, and in the long run it'll save you money on batteries.

 

Yeah, hopefully if the R/R isn't buggered I will be able to afford it, was quoted R400 (about $40, though I don't think as easy to come by) for one here. One question regarding them though. I was always told that one should disconnect at least one of the terminals when charging a battery, is that just an old wives tale?