2011 Fatboy won't start.
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City, MO
2011 Fatboy won't start.
Just a quick question -
I recently purchased a used 2011 Fatboy. It has the air cleaner/exhaust/performance chip combo. Also has a LED headlight.
I took possession of it about 3 months ago roughly...when I got it, battery was dead as a doorknob. Charging it didn't help. Bought a new battery...
Well winter has set in, and last night went downstairs to start it up in the garage just to show a buddy. Nothing. Just some half assed attempt at turning over. Today hooked it up to the car battery to try and tried to start it. It turns over but STILL won't fire up.
My questions are these:
1. Do I need to keep this bad boy on a trickle charger when not being driven regularly?
2. Are the batteries this BAD or is this 'normal'? It's been started up probably 4 times since I bought it and driven maybe 10 miles. Not a lot, but still...that wouldn't keep a car from charging (sorry if this is 'normal' as I am new to motorcycles)
3. Would removing/reinstalling a new battery somehow 'erase' the programming in the performance chip deal it has? Would this hamper starting?
4. Does this LED headlight sap tons of battery every time I start it? Due to the modifications do I need some 'special' battery? A higher performance one?
5. I'm going to buy a trickle charger. Do you all have one you recommend above all others?
Thanks for any help. I'm the new guy to motorcycles, so it's all new to me. I can normally fix about anything on a car, but the motorcycles are foreign to me.
Much appreciated.
I recently purchased a used 2011 Fatboy. It has the air cleaner/exhaust/performance chip combo. Also has a LED headlight.
I took possession of it about 3 months ago roughly...when I got it, battery was dead as a doorknob. Charging it didn't help. Bought a new battery...
Well winter has set in, and last night went downstairs to start it up in the garage just to show a buddy. Nothing. Just some half assed attempt at turning over. Today hooked it up to the car battery to try and tried to start it. It turns over but STILL won't fire up.
My questions are these:
1. Do I need to keep this bad boy on a trickle charger when not being driven regularly?
2. Are the batteries this BAD or is this 'normal'? It's been started up probably 4 times since I bought it and driven maybe 10 miles. Not a lot, but still...that wouldn't keep a car from charging (sorry if this is 'normal' as I am new to motorcycles)
3. Would removing/reinstalling a new battery somehow 'erase' the programming in the performance chip deal it has? Would this hamper starting?
4. Does this LED headlight sap tons of battery every time I start it? Due to the modifications do I need some 'special' battery? A higher performance one?
5. I'm going to buy a trickle charger. Do you all have one you recommend above all others?
Thanks for any help. I'm the new guy to motorcycles, so it's all new to me. I can normally fix about anything on a car, but the motorcycles are foreign to me.
Much appreciated.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: S Florida
If you bought a good battery, meaning of OEM standards then you should get a min 2 yrs depending on how it is treated.
One mistake people often make is not charging or checking a new battery for a full charge before installing.
If you have security on that bike you definitely need to get a Battery Tender or equivalent type battery charging/conditioning unit.
I would try and charge that battery up completely with a good charger and then keep it on a tender. Assuming that the battery is still good.
And when jumping from a Car battery, do so without the engine running.
One mistake people often make is not charging or checking a new battery for a full charge before installing.
If you have security on that bike you definitely need to get a Battery Tender or equivalent type battery charging/conditioning unit.
I would try and charge that battery up completely with a good charger and then keep it on a tender. Assuming that the battery is still good.
And when jumping from a Car battery, do so without the engine running.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City, MO
Thanks. I just learned about battery tenders. Sorry, I'm a newbie, but I am learning. Sounds like I just let it sit too long...
Only 'security' is whatever it would have come with from the factory.
Looks like I need to go buy a tender. I appreciate the assistance without all the 'dumb new guy' comments!
Only 'security' is whatever it would have come with from the factory.
Looks like I need to go buy a tender. I appreciate the assistance without all the 'dumb new guy' comments!
Another thing to take into consideration-every time you start it, it will take about 20 minutes of riding (not stop & go) to bring the battery back up to where it was before you started it.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Also, if its going to do alot of sitting thru the winter. I would put some Stabil, Seafoam or some type of good fuel stabilizer in the tank. The LED lights actually use alot less power than normal halogen bulbs and wont put as much of a drain on the battery. The Battery Tender or the Battery Tender Jr are wonderful investments. Hope this helps.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 311
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If the engine cranks but won't start there could be other issues - possibly a fouled crankshaft sensor?
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