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Any one ever install a battery switch to save the battery ? I put mine on a tender and it just doesn’t seem to keep the battery up I end up having to jump the battery to start the bike after a couple days to a week. I know riding it will keep it up but I don’t always have the time so I ride when I can. My batter is 3 years old.
Hate to say it, but it sounds like it's time for a new battery or maybe tender if the tender is not keeping it charged. 3 years on the battery, likely?? could use a new battery.
If you disconnect the tender and let the bike sit for an hour or two, maybe overnight, what is the voltage of the battery with the key off? S/B about 12.4-12.8, any lower than 12.4, likely bad battery.
And yes you could install a battery cutoff switch, but they are a bit bulky for the most part and then where?
Have your battery load tested, it should stay charged if you are using a functioning tender. Although if your battery is too low, I've read that some tenders won't be able to bring it up to charge, although I'm not sure why, or which tenders are suspect. Or, maybe it's just urban legend.
I'd have it load tested, put on a good charger till it's charged, check the voltage afterward and see what it says. I assume it's AGM? Only cheap bastids (like me) still use watered batteries, and even I went to a Shorai lithium on my bike long ago. I buy batteries for my truck that I can check the electrolyte levels (not sealed or maintenance free), which I'm convinced has helped my batteries last years longer. My friends in Mexico all have watered batteries for their solar systems, and keeping them fully watered is absolutely necessary due to the frequent charging cycles.
A good ride of 25-30 minutes will get your oil up to full temps and expel moisture, and give your battery time to charge up from operation of the starter motor. Our small stators don't recharge the bike battery near as quickly as an automotive altenator.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Feb 23, 2024 at 05:43 PM.
Have you checked for a 'short' that is draining your battery?
Many years ago, I discovered, by getting in the trunk and closing the lid, a battery drain in my mom's cage was caused because the
light was staying on.
Could you have a drain somewhere on your scooter?
Or my original battery only lasted 4 years. I replaced it with an aftermarket battery that lasted 8 years and cost 1/2 has much as Harley wanted
for a new battery.
There are battery isolation switches available on Amazon and eBay, they aren't expensive, the one below is available on the UK eBay site for around £10.00. It isn't too large and can be stashed under the seat or anywhere else you can fit it.
If a battery tender isnt keeping your battery charged, your battery is fawked. Plain and simple.
(It amazes me how guys seem to think you need to a maintain a battery after just a few days of not riding. You dont need a tender unless you arent riding for periods of longer than 30-40 days at a time. It takes several WEEKS to drain a battery from parasitic draw...and thats on a high draw vehicle like a car or a fully loaded bagger. )
You need to just spend the money on a good battery, ( I know, sheets expensive now) If you install a quality battery and it goes dead in under 2 months, then you need to start looking at shorts and other electrical issues. I know I'm trivializing the matter, but 99% of all electrical problems are due to 1) Bad connections 2) old battery.
You also live close to hell, so the heat from there will have an effect on the cheaper batteries. A good AGM, like a TPPL AGM, should not be affected by the high temps in the summer where you are.
Like someone mentioned, get it load tested to see what the battery status is.
You need a new battery. And when you get a new one use the tender on it everyday from the day you install it.
I use a tender on all of my batteries including my lawn mower. I usually get about 6 years out of a battery by keeping it on a tender.
My last lawn mower battery lasted 9 years and I had a battery on my old Road King last almost 8 years.
If a battery tender isnt keeping your battery charged, your battery is fawked. Plain and simple.
(It amazes me how guys seem to think you need to a maintain a battery after just a few days of not riding. You dont need a tender unless you arent riding for periods of longer than 30-40 days at a time. It takes several WEEKS to drain a battery from parasitic draw...and thats on a high draw vehicle like a car or a fully loaded bagger. )
You need to just spend the money on a good battery, ( I know, sheets expensive now) If you install a quality battery and it goes dead in under 2 months, then you need to start looking at shorts and other electrical issues. I know I'm trivializing the matter, but 99% of all electrical problems are due to 1) Bad connections 2) old battery.
This reply should be at the top of the hall of fame list!
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Battery switch ?
