My KTM 690 Adventure

[clint640]

After about 6 hours on the trickle charger the bike is back running again. All *seems* fine.

Is the battery likely to die on me again? Shoiuld I replace it anyway? Would rather not spend the $120 on a new battery if I don't need to.

If you don't have one get yourself a $9.99 multimeter (ask the internets how to use it if you are not sure) & check the voltage over the battery with the bike running to check that it is charging, you should see 14.5 volts or thereabouts. Check the connections on the main wires coming off the batt while you're there. If all that checks out & the batt still runs out of mojo then you probably need a new one.

Cheers
Clint

[.chris]

If you don't have one get yourself a $9.99 multimeter (ask the internets how to use it if you are not sure) & check the voltage over the battery with the bike running to check that it is charging, you should see 14.5 volts or thereabouts. Check the connections on the main wires coming off the batt while you're there. If all that checks out & the batt still runs out of mojo then you probably need a new one.

Cheers
Clint

Good tip thanks.
I just tried that (already had a multimeter), it appears to only be 12.2v while running, same as while off, I guess it could be why the battery died (just not charged). Or could the bad battery do that?

[Night Falcon]

I notice the FI light is showing on your avatar speedo as well, might wanna get that checked out bro

[.chris]

I notice the FI light is showing on your avatar speedo as well, might wanna get that checked out bro

That is normal, I get worried when it goes off

[pomgolian]

Good tip thanks.
I just tried that (already had a multimeter), it appears to only be 12.2v while running, same as while off, I guess it could be why the battery died (just not charged). Or could the bad battery do that?

Nope sounds like its not charging raise the revs a bit & see if the meter reading goes up if not its not charging properly which is why the battery keeps going flat so better get your dealer to check it.

Paul

[.chris]

Nope sounds like its not charging raise the revs a bit & see if the meter reading goes up if not its not charging properly which is why the battery keeps going flat so better get your dealer to check it.

Paul

Maybe it was only showing 12v because the battery was fully charged? Will have to try and drain it a little and and try the rev's tomorrow.
Please don't make me take it back to the dealer, I blew my repair budget last time it was there.

[NordieBoy]

Should be around 14v when charged.
Mine was at 13.9v and when you turned the key, it went to 0v.

That would normally mean there's a short, but that would also mean smoke...

A load tester didn't even register.

$87 for a new MotoBatt...

[vegeman]

Hi,
I recently bought a cheap digital volt meter to plug into the ACC port so I could check the operating voltage and get some heads up on my electrickery.

Battery Voltage during running on the road is 13.7V on my 690, and is pretty darn constant. Engine off is about 12.7 ie rest overnight.

Monitoring Voltage, is like monitoring oil pressure guages as it can give some warnings on battery/electric performance ie.

If it can't get to 13.5 volts during operation...then lots of proib's.. i(battery dying or alternator/charging cct not working)
If it does get to 13.7, but overnight voltage drops to say <12 then battery is getting real bad.


I put a motobatt in last year....been real solid.

...gotta go...plane to catch...eek

[Night Falcon]

Hi,
I recently bought a cheap digital volt meter to plug into the ACC port so I could check the operating voltage and get some heads up on my electrickery.

Battery Voltage during running on the road is 13.7V on my 690, and is pretty darn constant. Engine off is about 12.7 ie rest overnight.

Monitoring Voltage, is like monitoring oil pressure guages as it can give some warnings on battery/electric performance ie.

If it can't get to 13.5 volts during operation...then lots of proib's.. i(battery dying or alternator/charging cct not working)
If it does get to 13.7, but overnight voltage drops to say <12 then battery is getting real bad.


I put a motobatt in last year....been real solid.

...gotta go...plane to catch...eek

My money is on it being the battery shedding its mortal coil. Have never herd anyone with alternator problems on the 690 that didn't turn out to be a dead battery that is!

[clint640]

My money is on it being the battery shedding its mortal coil. Have never herd anyone with alternator problems on the 690 that didn't turn out to be a dead battery that is!

Dodgy batts can certainly do funny stuff, To eliminate that as a problem without buying another you could take it out, disconnect the batt in the car & jumper that to the bike then see if you get the normal 13.7V while running. Just be careful not to short anything.

Cheers
Clint

[.chris]

Dodgy batts can certainly do funny stuff, To eliminate that as a problem without buying another you could take it out, disconnect the batt in the car & jumper that to the bike then see if you get the normal 13.7V while running. Just be careful not to short anything.

Cheers
Clint

That sounds a bit dangerous, I have ordered a new battery hopefully that will sort it out. If not I will have to take it to the shop.
The current battery is at least 3 years old, fingers crossed that is the problem.

[pomgolian]

That sounds a bit dangerous, I have ordered a new battery hopefully that will sort it out. If not I will have to take it to the shop.
The current battery is at least 3 years old, fingers crossed that is the problem.

My money is on a charging system/earth problem (sadly) if your not getting the right voltage when running (as long as your meter is reading correctly), especially as the battery (mortal coil) is not completely dead but who knows.

[.chris]

My money is on a charging system/earth problem (sadly) if your not getting the right voltage when running (as long as your meter is reading correctly), especially as the battery (mortal coil) is not completely dead but who knows.

You might be right on that one, new battery installed and it still appears to only give 12v when running. Bugger, guess I am going to have to get someone who has a clue to have a look. Damn it!

[pomgolian]

double check your meter 1st on your car as if its a cheap one it may be bung giving you false readings. But i think Mr KTM is calling you in.

You might be right on that one, new battery installed and it still appears to only give 12v when running. Bugger, guess I am going to have to get someone who has a clue to have a look. Damn it!

[.chris]

Bugger it was as I feared.... expensive.
Apparently one of the stator wires (negative I think) has burnt out, so that needs replacing and blow me down if the ktm oem part is no the cheapest option available (who would have guessed its cheaper than getting the current one re-wired). But shit me, usual ktm story, $170 USD part = $350nzd. *le sigh*

And of course comes ex austria, so could be flipping ages before it arrives.