Possible Battery Issue?

[Guest]

Hey Everyone,

So it appears i have a battery that is quite dead. I doesnt have enough power to run the lights, none the less start the bike. I can jump it and it will run, but when i come back to start it a few days later it is quite dead.
Im thinking im gonna have to replace the battery, any advice?
The bike is a GS850GZ with 17 thousand on it.

Thanks

[Steve]

Are you putting a charger on it or just hoping it will charge itself?

If you are charging it and it's not holding, yep, it's time for a new battery.

Any idea how old the battery is? If you don't know, or can't remember, it's time for a new battery.

Recommendations? You can get one at Wal-Mart or Auto Zone, probably for about $30-35.
You can get upgraded ones for a bit more.
You can get sealed AGM (that's a type of battery, not a brand) battery for about $70-75.

All will work.

.

[JTsGS650]

Go AGM

If you plan on keeping the bike for a few years, I'd suggest getting an absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery. I bought a lead acid battery and it only lasted one riding season. I bought a new AGM battery from these guys http://www.batterystuff.com/ last year (I think I paid 70$ shipped) and it starts the bike faster and I don't have to worry about correct electrolyte levels. My .02.

[jbs80106]

Time for a round of charging checks....

A few things to try:

-use voltmeter and check voltage of the battery (not running)

- Assuming enough voltage to start, start her up....

- check voltage at battery at idle (probably low)

- rev engine >3000k RPM and check voltage at battery...should be +14V. If it's not regardless of the condition of the battery you've a charging system issue (reg/rect or stator or both).

- if ur only worried about the condition of the battery you can pull it an take it to Autozone or Checker (or whatever is near you), they can test the battery for shorts, under load, and such to diagnose whats wrong.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

A new AGM battery is best. But be sure that your charging system is healthy too. Go through the Stator Papers troubleshooting procedures.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[twr1776]

Today 02:26 PM BassCliff Hi, A new AGM battery is best. But be sure that your charging system is healthy too. Go through the Stator Papers troubleshooting procedures.

+ 1, it sounds like you need a battery. Have you cleaned up your wiring connections and grounds? Once you do those two things you should go through the stator papers to see how your charging system is doing so you do not have any other issues.

Wazz and I both got AGM's from here last year and have been happy with them. $ 56.00, they were $ 61.00 last year.

http://www.batterystuff.com/batteries/motorcycle/sYTX12-BS.html