I have a brand new 2014 XL1200C. It came pre installed with the security fob. I ride everyday for about 15 minutes in the morning and 15-20 in the afternoon getting home. Despite that, my battery keep draining and I have to jump start it once a week. It happened to me today was well. I already replaced my HD battery with a new one, without much help. It should be noted that I usually use just the key to turn the bike on and off, and not the on/off engine button. Am I doing something wrong? Is the computer using the battery if I don't turn the off button and that is draining my battery?

Thanks!

 

You need a battery tender,maintainer,you are not driving far enough to keep the bike charged up,it seems to be more of a problem with the newer bikes as they are taking a little power all the time.
Their is probably a pigtail under your seat to plug the battery tender in.

 

I live in the city and street park the bike so tender will not help. Is the on/off switch has any impact?

 

Even with your short commute the battery shouldn't die that fast...must be something amiss w/your electrical system. Bike's under warranty so take it back to dealer and explain the situation.

Also, check your battery cables (both ends) to make sure they're tight...good luck!

 

No, the Run/Stop switch is simply wired in series with the ignition switch. I never use the Run/Stop switch under normal conditions.

 

Agree , there has to be a pretty significant drain somewhere, or a issues with regulator or alternator,
be worth checking the cables on both ends to make sure there clean and tight..

 

Not all bikes are exactly the same, but the rule of thumb for ride time required to recharge the battery (replace the energy used from the battery to start the bike), is 20-30 minutes at CRUISE speed. If your ride to and from is in stop and go traffic, your probably not getting enough charge time. At idle, like stopped for a traffic light, it's not unusual for your battery to be discharging instead charging because the motor RPM is too low for the stator to produce enough power to offset the draw of the lights, fuel and ignition system.

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Yeah but don't you think the problem is bigger than that? His bike is a 2014 model and he jump starts it every week.

Take it to the dealer dude, explain everything and let them fix the problem. And also try to take the long way back from work to home.

 

Maybe, but he didn't say what the ride conditions are on that 15 minute ride. If it's in slow, stop and go type traffic, it's quite possible. If you're pulling X amount of power from the battery starting the bike and only running the stator long and fast enough to put X-1 power back into the battery, eventually you'll have a dead battery.

Sure, he can just haul it to the dealer, but he came here and asked for help and suggestions.

 

Oops, deleted post, point has already been made