HELP!! Bike not starting
haha yeah probably just is that....the battery is taking a charge though, but I don't really have a full grasp understanding of batteries so I'm just trying to grab enough knowledge as I can in order to understand for future reference.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 3,415
Likes: 1,124
From: USA
Here's my thought, now mind you I have a micron (that's a very lil) of knowledge compared to a lot of the guys in here but this is what I did.
I just bought an 04 ( Feb) , previous owner told me the bike never left the garage last year and once or twice the year before. I immediately changed the plugs/wires, fluids in all holes and new air filter. Last but not least a new battery. I've recently done new tires and the bike feels & runs great. JMO but dump that battery.
I just bought an 04 ( Feb) , previous owner told me the bike never left the garage last year and once or twice the year before. I immediately changed the plugs/wires, fluids in all holes and new air filter. Last but not least a new battery. I've recently done new tires and the bike feels & runs great. JMO but dump that battery.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Here's my thought, now mind you I have a micron (that's a very lil) of knowledge compared to a lot of the guys in here but this is what I did.
I just bought an 04 ( Feb) , previous owner told me the bike never left the garage last year and once or twice the year before. I immediately changed the plugs/wires, fluids in all holes and new air filter. Last but not least a new battery. I've recently done new tires and the bike feels & runs great. JMO but dump that battery.
I just bought an 04 ( Feb) , previous owner told me the bike never left the garage last year and once or twice the year before. I immediately changed the plugs/wires, fluids in all holes and new air filter. Last but not least a new battery. I've recently done new tires and the bike feels & runs great. JMO but dump that battery.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
9 volts, that thing is junk. Put a new battery in it before you do fry your charging system. The burned lugs could very well be from the bike trying to keep a junk battery up. A dirty connection can cause the heat problem there too. Install new battery, check voltage with bike on, but not running yet, then start the motor and check it again. Should be higher after you start it if the charging system is working.
I would add that if you are seeing a lot of corrosion in the cable ends and up under the cable insulation at the terminal swage, then it is time to replace the cables. This may be an issue with an older bike that has sat up for a long time in the humidity with the battery connected.
jeez freak my life....anyways update. The battery stayed on the charger last night. My dad said he took it off and tested with something that said the battery was good(don't know what tool he used to test it so sorry for not bringing specific info). I went out to the bike with him to do a load test and see the reading when cranking it. The battery was at full charge, I cranked it and it stayed at 12.32 volts. It didn't drop and it didn't rise during it being on. He said the battery is good, it's gotta be the charging system. Please any info would be helpful, is it the stator...regulator? what is that? Does a bike have one....is this an easy fix it yourself job or an expensive pay the Harley man to do it???
Here is a wee bit more info, the battery was at like 12.40 volts without ANYTHING on...when switched over to the on position it pretty much stayed the same, when cranked it pretty much settled at 12.32, when revved in high rpms it pretty much stayed the same at 12.32
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 384
Likes: 2
From: Overseas
Just my experience but I end up replacing my battery about once every two to three years. I can jump it and charge it but it won't hold a charge because the battery is worn out. I've replaced the stator on my bike, a 2007 FLHX, but that was only because it was leaking from the rubber seal in the case and not because the stator was bad. Taking readings off the battery when the bike is running is actually taking readings of the charging system. Normal is usually a little closer to 13 or 14 but if its not fluctuating its a good chance your charging system is okay. Your Dad sounds smart but he's overthinking this issue. Get a new battery.