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motorbike battery

  • 07-02-2014 12:26pm
    #1
    jameshayes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,772 ✭✭✭


    /disclaimer, I know very little about batteries or electricity/

    So the bike has not been in much action over the last 6 weeks and not at all in the last 3-4 weeks (cycling to work instead) started today fine, drove to the petrol station, filled up and then it wouldn't start.. luckily I was right beside a garage when it happened so pushed it 20 feet and they gave me a spare battery & some jump cables to get her going again...

    So i took the battery out when I got to work and tested the voltage, it is reading 12.x

    The battery is at least 4 years old because I've never changed it, I don't know when the previous owner did. I know it needs replacing but with the battery retailing at 99euro I don't really want to fork out until I have to..

    I don't want to tempt starting it again for the sake of it because if there is only 1 more start in her, i'll need that one to get me home!

    Any ideas? (other than buy a new battery)


Comments

  • #2
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,907 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    What figure is the meter giving? 12.?


  • #3
    jameshayes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,772 ✭✭✭jameshayes


    12.6 at the moment


  • #4
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,907 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    Sounds a small bit low but maybe recoverable with a good charger. Do you have a charger suitable for a bike battery? You don't really want more than 1 amp going into a small battery as it can cause damage.
    I keep mine hooked up to a smart charger (Optimate) over the real shítty months and it keeps it fresh for the next season.
    A good charger is worthwhile investing in they are about half the price of a battery.
    This one is a good deal http://www.louis.de/_308ceae0fd62e7ee439f709ff08fd32bbe/index.php?topic=artnr_gr&artnr_gr=10002800


  • #5
    Del2005
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,102 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    Hopefully it just drained because it's been layed up, my battery wouldn't start the bike after sitting for a few weeks. If you don't have a bike charger take it for a decent spin or with the weather outside let it run for 20 or so minutes, make sure you have adequate ventilation, then take it for a good run when you can.

    Measure the voltage when the bike is running, it should be over 13V, if it's less then you could have a charging issue. Try not to let the battery fully discharge too often as it'll kill it.


  • #6
    Wonda-Boy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,013 ✭✭✭✭Wonda-Boy


    Dont start it and let it sit there draining the battery, bring it for a good drive to charge the battery. The bit of power left in the battery will drain away sitting there idle.

    A good run will sort it.


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