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Thread: Draining battery

  1. #1
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    15th February 2018 - 14:28
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    Post Draining battery

    Excuse me being a complete pillock when it comes to electrical things but is there any quick way to check if the battery is stuffed ?
    Battery is only 2 years old (bought the bike 4 months ago ) and seems to drain quickly if left connected.
    Reads OK when not connected but still seems to drain.
    Using a crappy voltmeter might not be helping my case as readings vary a lot each time I use it.
    Making it a real hassle to drop kids off at sport etc.

  2. #2
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    25th March 2004 - 17:22
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    First thing check the charging cct
    run the bike. At idle then at say 4000rpm.
    Idle should be say 13..5v or close then up to 14 maybe 14.6 when revved to 4.

    If it' less you have issues and it' usually the rec/reg box.

    If that' ok check battery voltage, should be 12.7 sitting and only sag a little with lights on and no engine.
    Don't you look at my accountant.
    He's the only one I've got.

  3. #3
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    6th May 2012 - 10:41
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    check your parasitic drain, put ammeter between post and main earth wire (or pos, doesn't really matter) - if is drawing current when off, shit's not good. pull fuses one by one to determine what circuit it's on.
    could be ground leak.

    to test a battery you need a battery tester. most (?) auto sparkies will have one on hand. it'll measure all kinds of shit it's hard to do at home. (charge/discharge rates, voltage drop etc)

  4. #4
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    1st September 2007 - 21:01
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    Quote Originally Posted by Shozbot View Post
    Excuse me being a complete pillock when it comes to electrical things but is there any quick way to check if the battery is stuffed ?
    Battery is only 2 years old (bought the bike 4 months ago ) and seems to drain quickly if left connected.
    Reads OK when not connected but still seems to drain.
    Using a crappy voltmeter might not be helping my case as readings vary a lot each time I use it.
    Making it a real hassle to drop kids off at sport etc.
    I do not know of any battery manufacturer that will give a warranty for more than 12 months. Regard anything over that as a bonus.

    The battery life depends on many factors during it's use ... but the issues you mention strongly suggest it's fucked.

    Any auto electrician could test it (as previously recommended) ... but I doubt their opinion will differ from mine.

    They (however) will safely dispose of your old battery ... and supply (at your cost) your new one.
    When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by FJRider View Post
    mine.

    They (however) will safely dispose of your old battery ... and supply (at your cost) your new one.
    just chuck it on the bonfire and rake the lead out the ashes in the morning. shit's like a dollar a kilo.

  6. #6
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    11th June 2011 - 16:30
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    Quote Originally Posted by Akzle View Post
    check your parasitic drain, put ammeter between post and main earth wire (or pos, doesn't really matter) - if is drawing current when off, shit's not good. pull fuses one by one to determine what circuit it's on.
    could be ground leak.

    to test a battery you need a battery tester. most (?) auto sparkies will have one on hand. it'll measure all kinds of shit it's hard to do at home. (charge/discharge rates, voltage drop etc)
    Thanks man my vfr 750 been pain in ass ever since i changed the fairing frame . Was a black wire went to the frame and always thought . Why it was there . Since i removed it i had trouble with bike draining the battery . Even though chsnged new stator and reg afternarket and was fine a year in storage . And changed the fairing frame as org was bent .i had nothing but trouble . To the point it discharged of days that bike will stop at idle .making it dangerous . I have two batterys i charge when flat . And have maintence charger at night . I try find that black wire but it back . Does have to be certain place in the loom .or can u use a ground wire from any place . And earth to steel . Frame area .


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  7. #7
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    11th June 2011 - 16:30
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    Quote Originally Posted by Shozbot View Post
    Excuse me being a complete pillock when it comes to electrical things but is there any quick way to check if the battery is stuffed ?
    Battery is only 2 years old (bought the bike 4 months ago ) and seems to drain quickly if left connected.
    Reads OK when not connected but still seems to drain.
    Using a crappy voltmeter might not be helping my case as readings vary a lot each time I use it.
    Making it a real hassle to drop kids off at sport etc.
    Found out to my cost car and bike
    Batterys dont last left in car or on bike
    Left wreaked two near new batterys .
    Brought a charger since .expensive lesson learned . Idealy u use the machines . Is ideal .


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  8. #8
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    25th January 2006 - 19:13
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    Shozbot - whats the make of battery?

  9. #9
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    25th March 2004 - 17:22
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    1 post. He's gone. Never to return.
    Don't you look at my accountant.
    He's the only one I've got.

  10. #10
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    28th September 2017 - 18:48
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    Quote Originally Posted by F5 Dave View Post
    1 post. He's gone. Never to return.
    Bugger, was just about to give him some advice, free of charge...

  11. #11
    Join Date
    1st March 2017 - 06:23
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    Obviously too slow to respond. The younger folks need ANSWERS NOW!!!
    not just when some old fart finds it convenient...

    High miles, engine knock, rusty chrome, worn pegs...
    Brakes as new

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