Almost Dead Battery

[ricford]

I WAS going for a ride this morning as the thunderstorm has passed. Not enough power to start or even ignite the computer. 7v. I have a charger on it and will see if that helps. The battery in my 14 RT is possibly 3 years old. Strange that it worked well 3 days ago. Any clue?

 

[Lew L]

Hi Ric,
Check the battery terminals as they may be loose. I'd use a battery charger ( not a maintainer ). You can have the battery load tested at most auto supply stores. Sometimes vibration will just break or crack a cell connector and the battery will show voltage but have no ability to start you bike.

But be prepared to buy a new battery.

Lew L

 

[PW2013STL]

That is common for batteries. To me they are like a light switch - they work until they stop - as if a switch was flipped.

For most of my motorcycles it seems that 3 years was all I could get from them.

 

[Easy Rider]

Strange that it worked well 3 days ago. Any clue?

Not "strange" at all.
Everything works fine, right up to the second that it fails.

Highly likely that you just need a new battery.
The new one needs to be fully charged before installing AND then you need to check the charging voltage.

IF.....you don't ride a lot or have an "off season" in the winter, you really need an automatic tender-type battery maintainer for the down time.
That does NOT mean a cheap trickle charger though.

 

[Mr. White]

That is common for batteries. To me they are like a light switch - they work until they stop - as if a switch was flipped.

For most of my motorcycles it seems that 3 years was all I could get from them.

I change out the batteries on my scoots every three years.....needed or not. I put a charger on them every ride or so. Never had a battery related problem. I ride west Texas once in a while and don't wish to have a problem with no towns or cell service in many areas I ride. Have you ever tried to buy a motorcycle battery in Redford, TX? ha ha

:spyder2:

 

[Chupaca]

Depends...

Do you have anything that can use up the battery when put up..? did you have any electrical work done..? For sure check all connections battery and ground straps to frame. 3 years is not long but could be it depending on it's history of charging or discharging. Sometimes short rydes with many starts will run down the battery and not enough running time to recharge. Charge it test it and go from there....:thumbup:

 

[ricford]

I looked closely and tugged wires, found nothing connected. Ignition off, key removed. I believe it was as someone noted, like a light switch. I took the battery to Batteries Plus. They checked and pronounced it to have suddely passed away. It was producing 7 volts, however. Not enough. IO replaced it with a Duracel Ultra battery, made in the USA. FYI, $149. I wanted an Interstate battery b ut they closed their local shop and moved to Bossier City. Too far to drive. The battery that failed was a Yuasa model YTX24HL-BS, also made in the USA. There is a clip that holds the battery in place. It clips in the back under a cross brace. It fell. There must be some secret factory thing to help get it repositioned. I think an extra pair of hands might work. In case you wondered, the battery was hooked up to a maintainer all Winter. I guess it was just 'time'. But thank yopu all for helping me solve my issue. Now, hot as hell here but a great time to work the Veskimo.

 

[Little Blue]

Battery

The Dura Cell Ultra is a very good battery. They have a great 2 year Warranty.....:thumbup: