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Message started by mclutter on 03/31/07 at 10:10:36

Title: Battery Charging
Post by mclutter on 03/31/07 at 10:10:36

Good day to everyone. I have been charging my battery since last night and the highest reading I get from my voltmeter is about 11.54 volts. I tried to start my bike and I got the dead battery sound from the starter. I figured it would start with it being so close to 12volts. What is the proper time period for charging at 1.25A? Oh the fluid in the battery is at the proper level. Maybe I just need a new battery.

Which leads me into my next question. I live in Alaska and I can not find anyone who will ship a battery to me. I have seen these Big Cranks that everyone talks about. What if I wanted to go into Schucks cause that's what I have here and get a Maintenance free battery? What would I get or could I get any 12V battery that would fit into my bikes battery tray? Your thoughts are appreciated. :)

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by verslagen1 on 03/31/07 at 11:08:58

It sounds like you have a dead cell, time for a new one.

I'd match up the spec's as best as possible and get the one that fits. But the more cold cranking power the better for you I'd think. And brush up on the push start technique.

You gotta do whatcha gotta do to ride. ;D

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by georgekathe on 03/31/07 at 11:23:37

a big crank is best (my used bike came with a new maintenance free battery so I left well enough alone - know what I'll replace it with though)

I'd advise a maintenance free one if you can't get a big crank - saves checking fluid again or getting a dead cell through the fluid getting low.

a battery tender (about $50-60 I think) is not a bad idea - like a trickel charger that cannot overcharge a battery - having rigged up pigtail (comes with tender) to battery the plug tucked under seat when not in use to ensure Savage's battery is always fully charged.

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by Dr_Jim on 03/31/07 at 11:32:11

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by DianeS. on 03/31/07 at 17:42:51

I bought a new battery, and it seemed to take a long time to finally get a full charge. We used a 12 volt, 6 amp. charger, and kept watching the meter to see how charged it was. I think we were charging it for a few days, though we didn't charge it overnight, when we couldn't check on it. Took a lot longer than I antipated, but it seems ok(?)

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by Burlyoni on 04/02/07 at 06:39:39

I just got a trickle charger off of Ebay for like twenty bucks plus shipping.

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by Savage_Rob on 04/02/07 at 11:34:38

I have used the Battery Tender Jr. (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000C7FJ7/ref=nosim/?tag=dealtime-sg-ret-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B0000C7FJ7&linkCode=asn) for years with no problems.

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0000C7FJ7.01-A2B3WACBWPDWRJ._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by thumperclone on 04/02/07 at 12:49:52

i wouldnt use a 6mp charger on a motorcycle battery...

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by Bri_Fri on 04/02/07 at 14:21:50

Hey Mclutter,

I thought I was the only person here from Alaska but I guess not. I was on my way to the Big Crank website to order a batter just now but I would rather not have to pay $40 in shipping to get it up here... :-/ Let me know what you find.

Its great weather we're having lately huh? Its supposed to get better later this week too ;D and if you're ever in Homer stop by.

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by mclutter on 04/03/07 at 20:22:30

Bri_Fri wrote:

Well it is nice to see someone else here who lives in Alaska. I live in Anchorage and I will probably go out this weekend. Supposed to be in the upper 40's and my driveway and neighborhood is pretty much ice free.

Anyways I went to Batteries Plus here in Anchorage as suggested above thanks Dr_Jim. They had a 12volt sealed AGM non-spillable (XTA14AHL-BS) for the ls650 for $59. I installed it and my baby started right up. Talk to you soon.

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by Bri_Fri on 04/11/07 at 00:18:26

Thanks for the tip Mclutter. I got the battery from batteries plus and she did exactly as you said.

Thanks again,
Brian

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by Greg_650 on 04/11/07 at 09:36:31

DianeS. wrote:

Unusual to buy a new battery that needs to be charged.

A 6 amp charger is pretty strong for a bike battery. Won't say that I haven't done it, but you gotta be careful.

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by Greg_650 on 04/11/07 at 09:44:07

Savage_Rob wrote:

I have used the Battery Tender Jr. (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000C7FJ7/ref=nosim/?tag=dealtime-sg-ret-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B0000C7FJ7&linkCode=asn) for years with no problems.

We have the ones from EMGO. A good bit cheaper. Same current rating. If I'm gonna keep 'em on the charger for a long period, I use a little timer to turn the chargers on and off. About 30 minutes a day that way.

I do that because I don't trust the regulating abilities of the chargers :P

I also took the plug in connectors and wired them directly into the harnesses at the starter relay. Then I just pull the end out from under the side cover and connect to the charger. Easy to do. No clips on the battery posts that way.

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by verslagen1 on 04/11/07 at 09:50:23

I've heard new batteries shipped w/o juice new to be activated with a long charge but never got one myself.

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by Greg_650 on 04/11/07 at 09:52:33

Okay. Shipped. I see that.

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by smokey02 on 04/11/07 at 12:59:36

I got a Big Crank last year, it came fully charged, put it in and go! Since it's like a gel cell (sealed - no vent tube) it can be shipped UPS, unlike a wet cell which i think is shipped empty.

I have never put it on a charger, but I ride abt 25 miles to work most every weekday.

I did have to bend up the fold over tabs on my cables with visegrips, the new battery's terminals are a bit wider and heavier.

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by verslagen1 on 04/11/07 at 13:16:53

ditto! very happy with mine ;D

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by DianeS. on 04/12/07 at 18:21:30

Stores around here tend to store batteries dry, and only add the sulphuric acid etc. one you've purchased them. So, we purchased a new bike battery, then h and I brought it home, charged it up and mounted it on the bike.

I got the battery from a large automotive store, but they likely don't sell enough motorcycle batteries to keep them charged and on the shelves.

Title: Re: Battery Charging
Post by Greg_650 on 04/13/07 at 11:15:05

Sorry that I mentioned it...

Standing down now :)