Battery issues???

[Wilee7]

I went to start my bike 2 days ago and it just clicked refused to start. i loosened the negative cable and moved it around and finally got it to start. While i was driving it drove very sporatic for about 5 minutes and then it ran fine. Yesterday i went to ride and the battery was dead. I charged the battery and when i went to ride the bike i had the same issue as before loosed the negative cable move it around and get it to start. do i need a new battery or is there something else i need to look at. I've previously replaced the stator and the rectifier. is there anything else i need to change. I have a 82 GS550L with 24958 miles

[cowboyup3371]

You might but when was the last time you cleaned off the cables? I'd probably take a wire brush to them first and scrape off any old corrosion.

[Rover]

Agree with Cowboy,clean connections at both ends.If your charging system is still up to snuff that would leave a weak or dying battery if it continues to give you trouble. Batteries should be kept on a trickle charger during off season.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Check and clean both ends of that ground strap on the negative terminal of the battery. The other end is probably bolted to the bottom of the engine case. Clean all of the electrical connections on the entire wiring harness, especially the charging system connections (stator, r/r, battery, fusebox, solenoid,etc). To be sure, take your battery to the auto parts store and have it tested.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Big T]

Test your battery two ways

1. Using a VOM, test the resting charge - it should be 12.8V or more. Now, leave the VOM hooked up, turn the bike on and push the starter button. Does the voltage drop real low (below 10V)?

2. Pull the caps and push the starter button. Do any of the cells fizz like champagne? If yes, it's shorted out