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Message started by FlyNavy2005 on 10/02/05 at 16:33:47

Title: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by FlyNavy2005 on 10/02/05 at 16:33:47

Hi!
So I've had my suzki vz800 for a couple years now, and just bought my wife a 2000 savage as a wedding present. Here's the problem:

Last week, I brought it to base (I'm in the navy) and got ID tags and such for it. Rode it the 5 mi home, parked it, and took out the key (and put it in the key drawer).

She went to start it tonight, and... nothing. When the key goes to ON, the nuetral and head lights dont come on. Obviously we're not getting any electrical power. Tried multiple times, tried peering around for the cause, ...nothing.

Any ideas?
The only thing I've done to it since parking it is add the new registration/insurance papers to the toolbox area, and I know for an absolute FACT that the key was not left in the ON position in the garage: it was definately in the key-drawer. So, self-induced dead battery shouldnt be a factor.

The bike has run perfectly since I bought it a couple months ago. It hasnt been ridden often, but when it does get used, it has always started right up, no problems or anything.... all the more reason why I'm stumped.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

Matt Allan

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by sluggo on 10/02/05 at 16:48:53

check the connections under the seat, then the battery connection. sounds like a minor difficulity

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by bentwheel on 10/02/05 at 16:57:53

FlyNavy2005 wrote:

So, self-induced dead battery shouldnt be a factor.

It could be if you turned the key clockwise when you removed it. This would leave the parking light on, possibly killing your battery.

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by Savage_Rob on 10/02/05 at 17:13:42

bentwheel wrote:

It could be if you turned the key clockwise when you removed it. This would leave the parking light on, possibly killing your battery.

Yup, I did that once. The taillight stays on and runs down the battery. It doesn't hurt to check the connectors under the seat and tank though.

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by savage777 on 10/02/05 at 17:20:16

FUSES??????!!!!

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by Jim_R on 10/02/05 at 22:52:30

I would recharge the battery and try that 1st. Tighten the connections like sluggo suggested and see if it cranks. If the lights arent coming on then check the quick disconnects under the seat and the fuses.

I honestly think its just a drained battery. Maybe the battery is old too. Give it a charge and see what happens. Ps dont charge it with anything over 2 amps because I heard it will shorten the battery life and possibly boil the acid. good luck

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by Mambo on 10/03/05 at 01:32:13

Maybe you've made a mistake and lock your ignition in "park mode".
So your battery's discharged

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by gazab44 on 10/03/05 at 02:21:02

Hello and welcome flynavy :)

I tend to agree with all previous posts..check connections under seat and tank...check fuses..but first charge up the battery and try it, I once left ignition in park and drained the battery.

Why is there a park position anyway? Don't know of anyone that actually uses it as it was designed to be used.

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by FlyNavy2005 on 10/03/05 at 17:32:53

"Ps dont charge it with anything over 2 amps because I heard it will shorten the battery life and possibly boil the acid. "

...So does that mean I shouldnt just jump it with my car?
...or my Marauder? 2 amp seems like a pretty low current flow, would I have to buy some sort of special charger to do that?

Thanks for all your help so far everybody! :)

-Matt

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by sluggo on 10/03/05 at 17:35:12

FlyNavy2005 wrote:

a quik jump start should be ok. i've done it to mine several times, that along with push starting. between the two, i'll take a jump start any day of the week.

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by Jim_R on 10/03/05 at 20:29:37

I wouldnt recommend it. Even if u jump start it or push start it, it will have to run awhile to fully charge the battery. I am not sure exactly how long. Then next time u wouldnt have to do that again and leave u possibly stranded.

just my two cents, if u have to jump it, try the bike first, prob safer.

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by sluggo on 10/03/05 at 20:35:49

jim r is correct about a fully run down batt.

i use the jump or push method after i've left the ignition on for a few hours. which i've done quite a few times. opps

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by Savage_Rob on 10/03/05 at 21:07:25

A decent trickle tender designed for a bike battery is a great investment and not that expensive. I use the Battery Tender Jr. (http://www.motorcyclebatteriesusa.com/battery-chargers-details.asp?battery=91) and it's done a great job for me. If I were to do it over I might consider one of the waterproof versions but this one's been fine and the price is decent. I've seen 'em anywhere from $23 to $45 (with most between $29 and $39). I'm not positive how robust the Savage's charging system is in the first place, so I occasionally (maybe every 3-4 months) put the tender on it and leave it overnight. My Odyssey battery is pretty stout but I figure the occasional top-off would only help.

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by threezukes on 10/04/05 at 04:52:34

If you do deciede to jump it with your car, I've heard that it is ok as long as the car isn't running.

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by Jim_R on 10/04/05 at 23:31:40

I have heard of the battery tender jr and it had awesome reviews. My car battery died a year ago and I went to sears and got a 2,5,10 am charger. works great

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by vroom1776 on 10/05/05 at 08:19:52

threezukes wrote:

If you do deciede to jump it with your car, I've heard that it is ok as long as the car isn't running.

This is correct.

Title: Re: Help!! Savage Dead!
Post by mpescatori on 10/11/05 at 04:25:41

Hello FlyNavy, here's what I've done to avoid this kind of frustration:
1) avoid switching the engine off with the on/off button, it'll kill all circuits including the start button (on European bikes, it only kills the coil, the engine turns but won't start)
2) I am looking at fitting a cigarette lighter plug thing somewhere, fused, so that should I need something (from jumping the battery to recharging my cellphone) I have a plug available;
3) For trickle charging the battery, I have found a 1000 mA 3-12V DC power adapter (the kind you buy 'one size fits all' for recharging anything from Dremel drills to kids' radio controlled toys) just set it on +12V, get the polarity right, and it'll trickle charge at a nominal 800mA (more or less 10W) continuous. Excellent for trickle charging during the long witer months.
:D
Maurizio