Dead Batteries?

Before replacing a battery or any related parts, you should do some research on your riding pattern and frequency. Below are some of the basic questions you should ask yourself.

1. How long has the unit been sitting? Alarms, as well as OEM clocks, radios, and CBs with memory, all place a small current draw on the battery. This draw, accompanied by a battery’s normal self-discharge rate, will discharge a battery over an extended time period. If you ride less than once a week you will benefit from the use of a Battery Tender (P/N: 212102) and a multiple battery connector lead (P/N: 41670-HPE-000).

2. How do you ride the unit? Short trips may not replenish the charge taken from
the battery during normal engine starting. Frequent short distance riding may eventually discharge the battery. These short distance riders will also benefit from a battery trickle charger.

3. Do you engage in prolonged intown, low-speed operation? If so, this type of
operation, consisting of low engine RPM, frequent brake light use, and frequent cooling fan cycles, can also discharge the battery. Alternating gears (to raise engine RPM) will help. Remember to always turn the engine off using the ignition key – leaving the lights on with the engine off is a big no-no.

4. Do you ride with the high beam headlights on? High beam usage, accompanied
with the in-town riding mode described above, will accelerate the discharge rate.

5. Do you start the bike and let it idle to “keep the battery charged”? If so, you may actually be accelerating battery drain by allowing it to run for an extended period under the “break even” RPM of the charging system.

Once you understand how you are riding and storing your motorcycles, it will be much easier for you to troubleshoot the cause of dead batteries and offer reasonable – and sometimes no cost – solutions.