Battery question

[Blue Star]

Need some advise to confirm what I think is the problem. Bike has been sitting for about two months with only sporadic rides during this time. Sunday I take the bike to work that is 23 miles each way. On the way home I stop and turn off the bike for about three minutes, and when I start up it cranks like a low battery, but starts. Get home, and turn off and restart with no problem. Ride around town Monday with no problems starting. Today I rode to work, and stopped when close to home to get gas, and bike cranks like the battery is dead again. This time goes into limp home mode. I pull off to the side of the gas station, and turn off the bike, and restart it with no cranking problems or limp mode.

From what I have learned from this site I believe it most likely is either loose, or dirty battery connectors. My question is this. What is the best cleaner for the connectors, or can I use automotive battery cleaner? Of course I will take out my battery and put it on my charger just in case, and make sure the connectors are tight before I pull it out to confirm that the connectors is not the problem. Sadly I do not have an electric outlet for a trickle charger for my bike, so that is not an option.

Thank you for any help.

 

[Arr MiHardies]

Probably just a low battery if it has sat around that long. Let the battery get a good charge and see if that helps.

 

[NancysToy]

You are on the right track. First thing is to check the connections at the battery for tightness and cleanliness. Battery connections loosen in time, with vibration and weather changes. Automotive battery cleaner would work fine, or just use a wire brush or sandpaper. I use a small detailing brush. You should charge the battery before you try again. Take it inside if that is what you need to do...or, if you can get the Spyder started, take a good long ride of an hour or more, preferably in a lower gear than you would use normally. Also check your relays in the fuse box. A loose relay can do similar things to what you have experienced...especially the main relay.

 

[boborgera]

I'm thinking you have a lose battery connection, at the battery.
Check them then charge the battery.

 

[Mr. White]

You give the year but not the model. I guess you have an RS as the RT has an outlet in the trunk to charge the battery. However, when you get your battery out, put a pigtail on it and leave the connection under the seat...when you get home, open the seat and plug in your charger. (Walmart $20)

:spyder2:

 

[Blue Star]

Thanks for the advice (both posted and PM'd), and will do that this weekend. Also yes, it is a RS.