Battery question

[oregonDave]

I just picked up a GS 750 to work on. The previous owner said he filled up the battery with distilled water. I'm guessing it was empty before. He said the battery was about 5 years old.

The battery will not charge.

Should I replace the water with battery acid and try that? Or should I just buy a new battery?

[mcycle-nut]

Turf it, it sounds like it's toast. Five years old is getting up there for a motorcycle battery, and if it won't hold a charge, well..............

[oregonDave]

Really? It wasn't used in that time. Just sat on the bike.

[Anonymous]

You should only fill a battery with acid one time: When it's new and hasn't had any fluid in it. After that it's only distilled water for top-ups.

Batteries aren't too expensive compared to the time spent trying to get an old one to hold a charge. Get a new one.

[oregonDave]

Thanks for the replys. I guess I'll be buying a new one.

[Anonymous]

"Just sat on the bike" is the worst way to treat a battery. There's lots about battery care on the 'net, but suffice to say that a well-maintained battery used daily will last longer than a battery that sits around discharging. In any case, five years would be considered excellent service from the best of batteries. It is time to replace this thing.

[KEITH KRAUSE]

You should only fill a battery with acid one time: When it's new and hasn't had any fluid in it. After that it's only distilled water for top-ups.

Batteries aren't too expensive compared to the time spent trying to get an old one to hold a charge. Get a new one.

I agree.

[Anonymous]

yep when i bought the brand new energizer battery it came with a big container of acid and hoses and i had to fill each individual hole with it...after the acid was all gone i charged it for about 2 hours then top it off with distilled water...when the bikes not in use i keep it on and off the charger in the garage

[argonsagas]

There is no question at all: it's done. Replace the battery.

[RacingJake]

On my 1100E I just picked up a battery at WalMart for 31 bucks. Everlast or Everstart?? anyhow it is a 14L-A2 and fits in my bike. My last battery was bone dry but it still started my bike. I guess to much re-charging sence I run a total loss system.

I also do the same on my SeaDoo's every year, go to WalMart and buy them at half the price of dealers.