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Message started by norm92de on 07/11/16 at 11:10:09

Title: Battery and charging.
Post by norm92de on 07/11/16 at 11:10:09

Yesterday I went for a Sunday morning ride on the local back roads.
Mileage was about 90 just puttering around at 45-50 mph.
The bike was started three times during this time.
When I got home I hooked up the .75 amp Battery Tender Jr. and was surprised that it took 5 hours to get a solid green indication.
The bike was not hooked up before the ride so I am not sure of the exact state of charge when I left home.

Today I hooked up my meter to check the output of the alternator. Revving the engine to about 3000 rpm I got 14.6 volts.

The bike is a 2014 and was purchased new, the battery was presumably installed in late 2013 and of course prepped by the dealer. I haven't checked the specific gravity of the electrolyte yet but it is properly topped up.

Puzzled, in El Paso. Any thoughts. :-?

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by KennyG on 07/11/16 at 11:22:19

Norm,

Even if I am riding for a whole day, when I return home and plug into the Battery Tender it takes quite a while for the solid green light.

When I received my S40 from the dealer there was only about an inch of liquid in the bottom of the battery. I found that I had to remove the battery quite often to keep the fluid level to where it should be so I purchased a Yuasa Maintenance Free Battery from Amazon.

The Amazon pricing was about $40.00 less than the best price I could find locally. None of the usual suspects had one in stock. I received my Amazon shipment in 2 days.

https://www.amazon.com/Yuasa-YUAM62H4L-YTX14AHL-BS-Battery/dp/B0018F3MP6/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1468261384&sr=1-1&keywords=Yuasa+Maintenance+Free+Battery+for+Suzuki+S40

Kenny G

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by stewmills on 07/11/16 at 11:38:15

+1 on the AGM sealed battery. I have one (from a retailer with a considerable discount coupon) and it's been great!

I think the biggest risk on the AGM is that when they quit, they quit! But that's no biggie for me as 90% of my riding is what I consider "local," and when I'm not local I'm riding with friends/groups and have help nearby if needed.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by norm92de on 07/11/16 at 11:42:36

Thanks for the info guys.

I have a Yuasa AGM on my Triumph and have been pleased with the performance. Only two batteries since 2005! I wonder how much longer this one will last. :)

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by Kris01 on 07/11/16 at 18:09:38

Wait... the stock battery isn't maintenance free? :o

Do I need to check the electrolyte level?

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by verslagen1 on 07/11/16 at 19:17:49

546D766C2F2E1F0 wrote:

Wait... the stock battery isn't maintenance free? :o

Do I need to check the electrolyte level?

yep, they dumped in favor of auto suspension leveling.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by Kris01 on 07/11/16 at 19:35:28

Cheapskates!

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by stewmills on 07/11/16 at 20:00:15

467F647E3D3C0D0 wrote:

Do I need to check the electrolyte level?

Yes. If they're low, put some Pedialyte in there. ;D ;D ;D

JUST KIDDING!!!

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by Kris01 on 07/11/16 at 20:38:44

Smells wonderful. Ever tasted it? Bleccch!

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by batman on 07/11/16 at 20:52:31

If these batteries seem to take a few hours to become fully charged,isn"t it because the charging rate is backing off as they near full charge?I believe they're made to do this to prevent over chargeing

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by Kris01 on 07/11/16 at 20:54:59

I think so. I can fully charge the battery, unplug the charger and go eat dinner, come back and charge it again for 20 minutes or so before it's full again.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by batman on 07/12/16 at 20:21:35

When you arrive home in your car you slap a battery charger on that puppy? the natural state of your battery is 12 volts guys! The output of your charger is about 13.5-14.5 (same as the bike's charging system)it has to be higher to overcome the12v in your batt.)so when you place it on your batt it's not telling you the batt. needs charging, it's telling you it's not13.5v! let the bike sit a few days if it doesn't start you don't need to charge it you need a new battery.My batt (lead/acid cheapo) doesn't see a charger all season 3yrs old .If you don't have a sealed batteries I hope your check your level often,your not charging but overcharging your battery

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by norm92de on 07/12/16 at 21:28:04

Today I rode the Suzuki for an hour. When I came home it took 6.5 hours on the battery tender to get a green light.
I started my Triumph in the garage, twice, and it took the tender 20 minutes to get a solid green light. Dunno what that means but my Triumph with a Yuasa maintenance free battery that is 4 years old never takes more than 30 ' to recharge. I think the Zuk battery is on its last legs, although it has never failed to start the bike. :-/

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by batman on 07/12/16 at 22:45:55

Norm do you own a volt meter? If you do next time you return from a ride check your battery's voltage before charging ,if it is in excess of 12volts it doesn't need charging! Your charger output is 13.5 (check this voltage also) is raising the battery volt higher toward 13.5 as it does so the chargers voltage is fixed making it's job harder and harder,and slower and slower ,6.5 hours get it? oh! and your trumpet doesn't have a compression release,maybe it take less juice to start?

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by norm92de on 07/13/16 at 07:32:57

Batman.
I will check the voltage after returning from a ride, I have never done that. I simply put the charger on it.

The triumph battery behaves differently than the Suzuki's does as I described in my post.

Norm.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by Savageman on 07/13/16 at 07:53:27

If mine I would check the charge rate :-? when the engine is running. Put your meter on the battery with engine running at a fast idle. 3000 rpm or so. Should read around 14 or 14.5 volts if the alternator/rectifier is putting out the correct voltage and if it is then maybe the battery is ready for the grave.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by bobert_FSO on 07/13/16 at 07:59:53

I'm with Batman on this charging stuff. Why throw the motorcycle on a charger all the time? I see where charging would be desirable if one goes MONTHS without riding the bike.

I get out and ride at least once every week or two, often a couple times a week. Even in the winter, I usually get out at least once a month. I've never regularly put a bike on a charger.

Unlike cars, motorcycles have no residual battery drain (radio memory, alarms, etc) when they key is off. If your battery can't sit for at least a month or two without needing a charge, you need a new battery.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by norm92de on 07/13/16 at 08:27:53

I have checked the voltage with the engine running at around 3000 it is 14.6 v. My problem is the different behavour between my two bike batteries.

If the Suzuki battery dies on a trip it is not the easiest bike to bump start.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by batman on 07/13/16 at 09:39:53

Norm it acts differently be cause it's only working half as hard ,you have a two cyl. engine ? Only one cyl. is under compression at a time, If it'a 750 the starter is only working against 375 cc piston compression at a time.(think about the manually kicking over a 450ccbike as compared to a 900cc Harley) If you keep charging the battery and it's bad/tired/old,your just masking the problem and it will quit on you anyway !Have it load tested or replace it.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by norm92de on 07/13/16 at 10:08:10

The only reason I'm fiddle-farting with this is denial. The bike is only 13 months old. And as you all know the warranty is 12 months. :'(

Regarding the constant charging, I'm using a Battery Tender which I have used for years. My Triumph has only had two batteries in 11 years. The second is still apparently going strong. :)

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by Savageman on 07/13/16 at 15:49:11

If the charging system is working then the battery is shot or low on a cell or 2. Or even a loose connection at the battery. Buy a good quality AGM battery it's worth it less headaches.

You will have different characteristics because of 2 different battery types. The trickle chargers have a charge curve built in and it changes based on the type and condition of the battery.

No reason to beat yourself over a dead horse.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/13/16 at 16:35:48

Constant charging, probably low water, ditch it, get a glass matt. Before you screw up your charging system.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by batman on 07/13/16 at 16:46:05

Norm ,got some bad news ,your bike warranty never covered the battery anyway.If your other bike only had two batteries in 11yrs what makes you think you can't get 3/4 out of the one in your zuk? But then again if you keep over charging it (boiling the hell out of it )you might not.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/13/16 at 16:54:22

Batteries are fickle. Two batteries from the same manufacturer, one might last six years, the other, six months, or weeks, might suck from day one.
Get a battery.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by stewmills on 07/13/16 at 18:04:58

If you get a new battery from a box store, have it tested before you leave the store. I got a new AGM before, got it home, thought I shorted out my system, only to eventually find it was a dud...after taking it back to the store for a swap.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by Savageman on 07/14/16 at 15:15:20

If and when you get a new battery. Before you install it in the bike put it on the charger overnight. That way you will know if the battery is good or not. If it won't charge to 100% then take it back and swap it.

Even new batteries have manufacturing issues. It's best to find out before you install it. Also best to get a intelligent battery charger. 8-)

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/14/16 at 15:30:57

Before you install it in the bike put it on the charger overnight..

And IF it was fine Before?
Why cook a battery?
Use your volt meter, if it's 12.5, leave it alone.
I Never leave a battery on a charger and go away for more than an hour.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by Savageman on 07/14/16 at 15:37:07

JOG you need to throw away that old Allstate battery charger. The new gen chargers are idiot proof and intelligent. They won't cook a good battery or overcharge it with to much current/voltage. Technology is great! ;D

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/14/16 at 16:38:03

Not everyone has the modern stuff. My six amp charger is thirty five years old. Works great. Made in America, too.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by Savageman on 07/14/16 at 17:08:59

But it WILL FRY a battery if you leave it on to long. JUNK IT! Go to Walmart and get a smart charger. After that no guessing no troubles with fried batteries.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/14/16 at 17:42:23

IT will but I Won't. And that suggestion is as close to blasphemy as anything I've ever Heard! Now you go wash your keyboard off with lye soap, young man!
Actually I Would consider adding a modern charger, but I would not ditch this one, ever. Even IF it dies,I will put it on my Antique American tools shelf.

What's the basics? Amperage, cost , stuff,,, Name?

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by Dave on 07/14/16 at 18:31:32

47756275737179757A2122140 wrote:

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by batman on 07/14/16 at 18:36:36

chargers for bikes should be 2amp or less according to most.6amp,I'd be keeping a really close eye on.That being said,I use a 11/2 amp smart charger and had to use a paint brush and baking soda and water ,to scrub the 'puke' off a large 20amp battery after charging overnight.

Title: Re: Battery and charging.
Post by Savageman on 07/14/16 at 19:43:51

The problem with those new fangled fancy shmancy chargers - is that they will only charge a battery that already is mostly charged. If a battery gets pretty low, the new chargers won't charge it. You have to trick the charger into charging by connecting it in parallel with a battery that is already charged...before you connect the "smart" charger.

It depends on the charger you buy. I got one that will also start a car. It will bring a battery up that is flat as long as the battery has good cell integrity and no calcification.The small 1.5amp trickle chargers don't have enough kick in em to bring up a dead 12 amp hour battery. Search for this model Schumacher XC10 10/6/2-Amp Battery Charger. It will work for cars, trucks, and MC batteries. ::)