|
SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Changing the battery /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1252773911 Message started by Innuendo on 09/12/09 at 09:45:11 |
|
Title: Changing the battery Post by Innuendo on 09/12/09 at 09:45:11 Ok, tad embarassing, I'm a female rider, new..bout 6 months. I have a aftermarket stereo... I'm constantly having to charge the battery. The battery drained once (newbie ..left the key on), it drained completely. Don't know if the battery dies because of the stereo (i d/c the power from the stereo when I'm not riding btw), or if it's because the battery drained completely. So now, I have to charge it everytime I want to ride. 2nd question: Is there any easier way to charge the battery on my ls650 without having to take off the seat? I can't reach the one side to connect the charger if I don't. Sorry for such stupid easy questions, but I have to learn somehow right? |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by runwyrlph on 09/12/09 at 10:03:02 i attached wires to the batt. terminals long enough to reach outside the annoying battery box - then just clip charger on those - put a wire nut on when not in use and tuck out of the way |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by Serowbot on 09/12/09 at 10:07:07 Battery tender's come with a little pigtail that you connect permanently to your battery posts. Once you've hooked it up, charging is easy. http://www.scooteringusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/battery_tender_junior_black1.jpg http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt82/serowbot/coin006.jpg?t=1252776862 |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by jabman on 09/12/09 at 10:16:03 ive hooked up a water proof 12v car cig lighter socket under my seat |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/12/09 at 10:38:52 I just run the charger clip in the top & clip the hot one on the battery & clamp the neg on the starter , where it bolts to the engine. No hassle. Sounds like you need a Big Crank first. But, I do have a Big Crank in there, so maybe its a bit different from the stocker. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by bill67 on 09/12/09 at 10:39:32 5B7C7C67777C767D120 wrote:
|
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by dasch on 09/12/09 at 10:53:06 Theory says that a lead-acid (car & motorcycle) battery, if drained once - becomes worthless. It's usually not that bad, but in your case it seems to be. I say you buy a good new battery first, then figure out the rest. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by Charon on 09/12/09 at 11:47:04 You might also make sure the stereo turns off when the ignition switch is off. Many automotive stereos have two power wires. One is the "keepalive" for the station memory and the clock. The other is the main power wire for the amplifiers and such. Usually the "keepalive" is not switched, but it usually draws insignificant power. The main power wire should be switched, or the small battery on a motorcycle won't last long. Lead-acid batteries do not like full discharges very much. You will usually get away with it a few times, but not very many. The highly touted Big Crank won't like them either. The problem with sealed batteries involves overcharge conditions - you cannot replace the water when they go dry. Sealed batteries require little maintenance, but the down side is maintenance isn't possible other than cleaning terminals. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by boofer on 09/12/09 at 13:19:53 Hey Innuendo, Welcome. I'm confused. Are you embarrassed about being a woman rider, new rider, new on this site? Just kidding. We could take over this forum with stupid things we have done on, to and because of motorcycles. When I bought my motorcycle battery was so low it wouldn't turn over next day--first charge. Last month left headlight on all day--second charge. Yuasa is hanging in there. Rode 60 miles yesterday and 40 today. Serowbot has the plan. Battery tender, Jr. $28.95 online PLUS shipping. Saw one in MC shop last week $32.95 + tax. Leave plug-in hooked up. You need to clean your terminals on cables and battery anyway. Happy riding, and we are here if you need us. Boofer |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by Ruddy on 09/12/09 at 14:56:21 Be sure to check the fluid level in your battery. That much draining and recharging has probably dropped it down too low. Letting the level get down so low that the battery plates are exposed will definitely shorten the battery's life. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by Routy on 09/12/09 at 17:12:50 Could you be exceeding the capacity of the charging system ?? I am new to this bike myself, so I don't know how many amps the system is capable of, but with the headlite on all the time, and then the stereo on, and if under a lot of idling conditions in traffic, maybe its over doing it all. Maybe someone could tell us how many amps the charging system is good for at speed, and idling also. Rich |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by SimonTuffGuy on 09/12/09 at 18:22:42 I've heard the charging system on the Savage is pretty low. Enough to keep the thing running along with the necessary lights and stuff. Perhaps the stereo is too much for it. I'd try running a volt meter on the bike throughout your ride to see how it's doing with keeping everything charged up. Do you have any pictures of your setup? As far as the battery... I drained mine once and that was all it took for me to switch over to a Big Crank. I think they're like $57, and then I added a battery tender to the order... Includes the pig tails to attach on and keep on the bike for over the winter. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by skatnbnc on 09/14/09 at 08:44:40 Get rid of the old one and buy a closed cell BigCrank. Once mine drained I never could keep it up and running. Never had a single problem since I installed the new one. YES - you can access the battery and remove it without taking off the seat. Use a bent style screwdriver to reach the screws. Pull battery out and the rubber hose will 'just' reach so you can set it on the ground. You can try recharging or re-filling the distilled water, but replacement is really the true solution. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by babyhog on 09/14/09 at 09:12:07 Welcome Innuendo, another new female rider! As you will see if you stick around this site, most "new" questions seem pretty simple to the new poster, but none of these people seem to mind much. Everyone is always helpful and knowledgeable, so you've come to the right place! Read some of the tougher situations... they truly AMAZE me! I think the guys dig helping us "poor little girls" out too! ;) |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by FreeSpirit on 09/14/09 at 09:55:38 My battery tender pigtail is under my seat. I Dont have to take the seat off to charge the battery. But,I had battery problems after I drained it a few times,so I bought the Big Crank. I'm wondering if there is maybe a different way to hook up the radio to keep it from draining the battery at all. :-/ |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by Phelonius on 09/14/09 at 10:15:55 586C7B7B4D6E776C776A1E0 wrote:
Many accessories will have a slight drain on the battery even though the key is off. A permanent cure for all possible residual drains is to get a 30 amp switch and locate it on the ground of the battery. When you park the bike for overnight or longer, turn it off. When the ground is open, no current whatsoever can bleed from the battery. Russian bikes have done this for many decades because of the poor quality of their electrics. If it can save a battery on one of those bikes it can save any battery. Both my Dnepr and my Ural had those switches and they work fine. Phelonius |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by Innuendo on 09/14/09 at 19:42:35 Wow you guys... you have been SO helpful! I don't have to take the seat off anymore, you have no idea who I dreaded that. Solving the battery issue may take me a little longer to determine what exactly to do from all your suggestions, but I'm thinking I should just buy a new one. Thanks again :) |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by PTRider on 09/14/09 at 20:39:37 Taking the seat off is sooooo easy...just two bolts with a 10mm wrench. Why's it hard for you? What is harder and very important is to take the seat off, take the left side cover off, remove the negative battery cable (left side on our bikes), remove the positive cable (right side on our bikes), remove the tool kit and the plate behind it, and take the battery out. 1--Be sure the electrolyte level is up to the marks. If it is low, add just enough distilled water to get it up to the marks. 2--Be sure the terminals are clean and tightly connected when you put everything back together. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by Innuendo on 09/15/09 at 16:04:09 PT Rider... the other stuff seemed easy to me cuz I could get at it, I could take off the seat no problem, putting it back on the one side would always give me a hard time way up under the seat and the things would never line up unless I sat on the dang thing to push it down with all my might... maybe it's a 'girl' issue...lol Anyway, problems solved so I'm happy. Thanks for the advice with the battery. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by babyhog on 09/17/09 at 13:00:19 626775656E060 wrote:
When I first read this thread, I thought to myself - I never have that problem, turning the key off.... well..... the other night I went to the garage to create a ringtone on my phone of my bike running (saw a free one online, which is what gave me the idea, but thought mine sounded better anyway) so I started the bike, let it run for a bit, recorded a few revs.... and just hit the kill-switch when I was done.... leaving the key turned on.... for 2 days now! Just noticed it this morning and of course my battery is dead. Guess I'll be looking for a Big Crank too. :( >:( >:( :( |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by serenity3743 on 09/17/09 at 13:28:28 Quoting babyhog: When I first read this thread, I thought to myself - I never have that problem, turning the key off.... well..... the other night I went to the garage to create a ringtone on my phone of my bike running (saw a free one online, which is what gave me the idea, but thought mine sounded better anyway) Hey, I like your idea about the ringtone. I'm gonna try that! :) |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by Oldnewguy on 09/17/09 at 13:47:31 Amen to that. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by Routy on 09/17/09 at 14:06:12 Quote: A permanent cure for all possible residual drains is to get a 30 amp switch and locate it on the ground of the battery. --------------------------------------------------------- The starter doesn't draw more than 30 amps ?? |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by boofer on 09/17/09 at 20:49:26 64434358484349422D0 wrote:
Innuendo, A trick to use on anything that has more than one bolt or screw such as the seat is to only thread the bolt or screw about 1/3 to 1/2 in. Then you have more wiggle room for the other bolts to start easier. It is good on the oil filter cover and pretty much essential on the front pulley cover. Always remember to go back and make sure all are snug when you finish. My seat is hard to put on, too. This method helps. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by Charon on 09/17/09 at 21:16:39 That is the old mechanic's trick. Don't tighten any of the bolts until you have all of them started. Then, it is usually a good idea to start tightening bolts from the middle and work out to the ends. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/18/09 at 07:22:06 & if there are very many bolts , tighten them in stages. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by babyhog on 09/18/09 at 10:29:42 I'm surfing for batteries... looked at Big Crank's website. Is the ETX15L the right one? What specs do I need to pay attention to? |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by Reelthing on 09/18/09 at 10:59:29 that's the model - very good battery http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1138061012/0#0 |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by babyhog on 09/18/09 at 11:07:28 reelthing - thanks! Everyone responds so quickly, its usually easier than searching... but I apologize, I should have known that would be an easy thing to search the forum for. I'm impressed that the price is so good. Our parts manager (I work for a truck equipment shop) checked with our supplier - Deka - and theirs is more, even at company cost. One of the guys here had recently gotten a "blemish" battery for his Harley from Deka and it only cost him $28, but they didn't have any blems for my bike. Bummer. I went home at lunch and got my bike and rode back to work. My husband bump started it for me (heck, I don't even know how, but I guess that's one thing I better learn) When we got to my office, I hit the kill-switch and he said all the lights went out, even before I shut off the key, so I didn't get much charge on the ride. D-E-A-D. Getting the guys to put it on charge until I get off work. Thanks again! |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by babyhog on 09/18/09 at 11:55:47 Well, my guys put it on the diagnostic charger and it will only charge 6.2V and 0 CCA.... says Replace Battery. So, now I hope I can find one that my husband can pick up and bring to me so I can get home. I hate to put everything back together and maybe get stuck riding home. How did I make it here? LOL Guess I won't be ordering the Big Crank. Another expense I didn't need right now! |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by FreeSpirit on 09/18/09 at 12:01:11 Why not let your husband ride it home? I think you can get the Big Crank pretty quickly. And they're not really that expensive,compared to some. Just a thought :) Or...ask the guys(here) ,there may be some batteries that are close to the same as the Big Crank that you could buy locally. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/18/09 at 12:58:19 Call around for a Batteries Plus.Maybe? |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by babyhog on 09/18/09 at 19:01:21 Hubby was riding his bike, and I certainly wouldn't drive it...! But... we went to AutoZone, they found one the same size, specs, etc, except the vent tube was on the other side. Didn't realize that until we were already at the store, so we went ahead with the exchange. Filled it, charged it some, and headed home to put it on charge again. We got it vented ok, but I'd say I'll go ahead and order a Big Crank. I think on the link that reelthing posted, he pointed out that the Big Crank is made by Deka, which is where we get batteries from at work, and with all of the good suggestions her for the Big Crank, I'm good with that!! Thanks for everyone's help! It is greatly appreciated! |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by FreeSpirit on 09/19/09 at 04:37:24 Sorry,I figured there was a car in the family and that you could drive the car and him your bike! I didnt think you could ride the big new bike,I'm not quite that crazy!Almost but not quite ;D Glad all was solved anyway :) |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by babyhog on 09/23/09 at 11:17:57 Ordered my Big Crank battery on Saturday, got the Order confirmation email on Monday, the Shipment confirmation yesterday, tracked it by UPS this morning and its on the truck for delivery today!! YAY!!! ;D :) ;D :) ;D :) ;D Is it going to be charged and ready to install when I open the box?? Maybe I'll get lucky and my Dyna mufflers will show up too... |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by verslagen1 on 09/23/09 at 11:48:13 Mine was ready to go right outta the box. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by babyhog on 09/23/09 at 12:18:41 Thanks verslagen. I read in another post that I might have to do something to the terminals... did you have to do anything special? |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/23/09 at 16:49:55 Piglet, the cable ends have a tab on them, bent to "Hug" the stock terminals. Youll need to flatten them. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by Charon on 09/23/09 at 17:02:37 Personally, I would put a charger on the new battery for a while anyway. If you use some sort of "smart" charger such as a battery tender, you won't overcharge it. That way you know you start off with a full charge. |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by SavageDude on 09/23/09 at 20:31:51 6A41485B4647290 wrote:
Or just slab it in then going riding for an hour, that's should full charged the battery ;D |
|
Title: Re: Changing the battery Post by babyhog on 09/24/09 at 05:35:17 Well, I didn't get to read those last 3 posts before we installed the battery last night. I remembered reading something about flattening those tabs, but it didn't make sense until I saw the battery up close. So that was easy! The box said "Ready to Install", so we stuck it in. I started it for just a few seconds, just to make sure, and it seems fine. I say a few seconds, because my muffler is also off at the moment, waiting for my Dyna to arrive.... (Dang, that thing was lound in the garage!!) It has been raining too, so I didn't bother putting the muffler back on for a test ride. Today is supposed to be off-and-on nasty rainy too, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. (they say next week we're going to get some colder weather...) Thanks again for all the help! Stay tuned for when my Dyna arrives... please.... ~ piglet ;) |
|
SuzukiSavage.com » Powered by YaBB 2.2! YaBB © 2000-2007. All Rights Reserved. |