Rookie Mistake?

[Roostabunny]

OK, so here's a "duh" moment.

Note to self: Motorcycle batteries do not come pre-charged at Walmart.

Maybe that's what the extra $7 is for at the other place. Of course, in my eagerness and "efficiency", I had just ridden up, pulled the old battery out, and walked in to the auto center. Fortunately, after I figured out that the acid is in a bottle with the battery and not actually in the battery, I was able to head back to the auto center and reclaim my old battery so that I could ride home.

As I said, Duh.

Anyway, the acid's in and it's supposed to set a spell before being charged for 2-6 hrs and it's late, so I'll charge it tomorrow night and get it in there.

[TheCafeKid]

Good deal! Least you'll know if thats the problem in the end...i wouldnt be suprised to learn that it is..fingers crossed for ya bro!

[Roostabunny]

New Batt

OK, the new battery is charged and installed. Initial tests were great.

Snappy, energetic cranking (like I've never heard before)
Meter readings:
12.6V across the terminals (not running)
13.4V across the terminals while running (about 3000rpm)

And it actually caught right on the first time at about 3/4 choke and no throttle, which is much better than the throttle tweaking I've had to do in the past. Tried it again today, and it didn't catch as easy - maybe need some practice to find that choke "sweet spot".

More testing to do - like the ride-for-5-off-for-5 short trip that has been messing me up. I guess I'll do an out-and-back the first time to make sure I don't get stranded again.

Anyway, prognosis looks good, but I'll post back here if I have further issues.

Thanks for the help!

[TheCafeKid]

OK, the new battery is charged and installed. Initial tests were great.

Snappy, energetic cranking (like I've never heard before)
Meter readings:
12.6V across the terminals (not running)
13.4V across the terminals while running (about 3000rpm)

And it actually caught right on the first time at about 3/4 choke and no throttle, which is much better than the throttle tweaking I've had to do in the past. Tried it again today, and it didn't catch as easy - maybe need some practice to find that choke "sweet spot".

More testing to do - like the ride-for-5-off-for-5 short trip that has been messing me up. I guess I'll do an out-and-back the first time to make sure I don't get stranded again.

Anyway, prognosis looks good, but I'll post back here if I have further issues.

Thanks for the help!

Mine Had a sweet spot too..but it shouldnt...i was flooding while sitting. Poor floatlevel adjustment. Checked the valve clearances recently? And maybe a lil more priming time next time?? Just thoughts..

[Roostabunny]

Mine Had a sweet spot too..but it shouldnt...i was flooding while sitting. Poor floatlevel adjustment. Checked the valve clearances recently? And maybe a lil more priming time next time?? Just thoughts..

OK first off - I realized right after that post that I was on reserve when I got home Friday, and gas stations on my way to work tomorrow don't open till after I leave. All that to say, I got to do my quick ride test just now "without a net" so to speak. I even forgot my cell phone.

All was OK, it cranked like a champ. It was like I had jumper cables hooked up. :-D Good to have a fully functional battery, I guess.

As for the choke, CafeKid, my tappet tool arrives in a couple of days, and valve clearences are on the list for this month, and I'll hopefully rebuild the carbs in the next moth or two, so we'll see.

[TheCafeKid]

OK first off - I realized right after that post that I was on reserve when I got home Friday, and gas stations on my way to work tomorrow don't open till after I leave. All that to say, I got to do my quick ride test just now "without a net" so to speak. I even forgot my cell phone.

All was OK, it cranked like a champ. It was like I had jumper cables hooked up. :-D Good to have a fully functional battery, I guess.

As for the choke, CafeKid, my tappet tool arrives in a couple of days, and valve clearences are on the list for this month, and I'll hopefully rebuild the carbs in the next moth or two, so we'll see.

Good news on all counts

[Roostabunny]

Days later - no problems. No more single-lug crank attempts in the morning (where I hit the button and it just goes "wuh" the one time) and today it started up on the first try with choke and no throttle fiddling, so I'm golden. \\/

Still gonna check my valve clearances.

Thanks for the help!