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Message started by luckylouie82 on 11/02/14 at 15:02:28

Title: Battery dying?
Post by luckylouie82 on 11/02/14 at 15:02:28

My young Son likes to play with my bikes controls when I'm cleaning the garage. Today I turned power on for him so he could honk the horn and nothing happened when he hit the button. Started the bike and horn worked no problem. Is this a sign the battery is dying? I checked voltage and it was at an acceptable 12.4. No problems starting. Rode all day just yesterday. Thanks in advance for any input.

Title: Re: Battery dying?
Post by Dave on 11/02/14 at 15:19:51

I dunno.....I thought maybe the horn would not work with the "kill switch" turned in the OFF position.....so I went out and checked. My bike honks no matter which position the kill switch is in.

Any chance you turned the key to the "PARK" position by mistake?

Usually the ignition system is the fussiest thing about voltage, and you lose the ignition spark when the battery is low.

Title: Re: Battery dying?
Post by luckylouie82 on 11/02/14 at 20:13:41

645F5245545843455E565B44370 wrote:

No, not on park. I figured maybe not enough juice to run horn without alternator charging battery. Just didn't know for sure. Don't want to waste money on new batt if not the issue. But don't want to be left stranded if it is either!

Title: Re: Battery dying?
Post by HondaLavis on 11/03/14 at 18:22:10

Try checking the voltage under a load. That will give you a better estimate on your battery life.

Title: Re: Battery dying?
Post by youzguyz on 11/04/14 at 01:47:15

Did you happen to notice if the headlight went OUT (or very dim) when he hit the horn button and it didn't make any noise?
If not, then likely your battery is fine, and it is the horn switch that is gunked up and needs more juice to make the contact area it has left to be useable. Start the bike, more juice, horn works. I had this happen to me.
Taking the horn switch apart is a bit fussy, but can be done so you can clean the contacts. Have a clean work area before you start, as parts (like tiny screws and springs) can .. fly away.