I need help with a battery issue

Any assistance appreciated:
I have a 2004 VFR800. The battery died during winter storage and I purchased a new one. I got the battery in place and connected, and I tried to start the bike to ensure the battery was charged.

It makes a buzzing sound, kind of like an electrocution sound effect. The lights turn on when I activate the key, everything seems normal other than what one person told me is a short. Another friend told me the battery was low on charge, so I had it recharged and repeated the process. Same result. I have the connectors on solid and the battery should be good.

Is there some sort of killswitch on the bike? Is it not starting because I haven't put the seat back on it yet? I couldn't find any information in the manual about that.

Please reply or send me an e-mail. I'd rather not take it to a service shop if someone knows what's going on. Thanks!

 

the only kill switch is the right thumb. i say flip it on and off a few times. perhaps a little corrosion?
try following the red wire off the battery to the solenoid and make sure that connection too is solid.
also, sometimes the starter gets "stuck" in a not so happy place. put the bike in gear and rock it forward and backward.
the buzzing sound is from either a relay or a solenoid not getting a solid 12V. sounds like something is not tightened down securely.
can you localize where that buzzing sound is coming from?

 

First, get a cheap multi-meter and check your battery’s voltage. If it’s low, put it on a charger over night and check it again. You can pick up a small charger for around 20 bucks. Make sure it has a “float” mode, that way you can leave it plugged in when you’re not riding and avoid your current situation. If your battery is indeed charged up and has a good connection, then (in addition to what Dude said) I would pull off the side fairings and check your wiring. Look for any sign of melted or burnt connections. Has your bike had the recall done?

Action

 

Good advice.

When vehicle owners bring in their modes of transportation to a mechanic, and they list the problems, 9.9 times of 10, the mechanic will get a meter or device to determine the problem... saying the vehicle makes a buzzing sound only points them to a closer area to check first.

Typically a buzzing sound indicates a closed short. This means a relay or fuse, or the battery's cells or cell is crossed and shorted out by means of the current being in full contact the entire time. Secondary to this, it could also mean a solenoid that is pulling in, but not making good contact... bugs, ants debris, corrosion, are common causes.

I would suggest to first go with Action's suggestion. Then (since you stated the old battery was dead after winter storage), I would be looking for some sort of further corrosion. There is a main fuse / starter solenoid on the right side of the bike. pull the connector, and inspect it. Shouldnt be any signs of corrosion (white, or yellowish material on the terminals), let alone no signs of damage.

for future storage, please take the battery out and put it on a slow charger during winter storage, never leave it in... you're just askin for trouble.

 

I have had the battery charged up to the 12v already and replaced in the bike. The same situation occurred. I checked the cut-off switch, and it is open. The buzzing sounds like it is coming off the positive terminal. I'll try following it back looking for corrosion. If there's corrosion, what is going to be the likely fix?

Action: I did take it in for the recall. I assume they made the change, but I guess I never really checked into it.

 

http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/22254-ghost-says-lets-learn-about-batteries.html