Have a 2011 SG, washed it Saturday with hose. Started fine afterwards. Went to watch game at the local water hole. Went to leave Battery dead, will not even turn over more than a few seconds. Jumped it, went to next watering hole. Fired up fine. Took it out yesterday and had it load tested, said it was good. Question is: Any chance something got wet when I washed it to cause something to ground or pull on the battery? Going to replace just to be safe. Bike ran well yesterday. Thanks in Andvance

 

I think you need a new battery.
The same thing happened this past spring to a friend who has a 2010 Ultra.
Once a battery seems discharged for no apparent reason, chances are it's going bad and if not replaced may end up stranding you at the worst possible time and location.
Folks laugh when I tell them that I replace the batteries in our "road bikes" every third season, even though I rotate the older batteries to the bikes that we rarely ride.
Bike batteries, as a rule don't last as long as car/truck batteries and hotter climates are also very tough on battery life.

Check out www.batterymart for a new battery delivered to your front door.

 

don't jump a duff battery and ride the bike unless stranded.

a duff battery can overload the charging system and damage it.

a $100 problem becomes a $500 problem


I too, just put in a deka big crank- $99 at amazon



but it really does sound like you had another type of problem.

bucket, soap, sponge- no pressure wash.

Mike

 

I'd check both battery cable connections at both ends, remove, clean then reassemble. Common problem, common cure.

 

I just replaced a 3year old battery that load tested good at my house on my charger. Also load tested good at Autozone. But I could tell it was a little weak on the first crank of the morning and was definitely weak after bike was warm. I could tell the voltmeter reading was low when I turned on the key. New battery and all is good. Starts well and voltmeter is back where it usually is. Changing your battery is good insurance.

 

Thanks Guys, just going to replace.

 

If it has run fine since you suffered the starting problem, simply do the basics and check for clean dry firm contacts on the main starter cables. If one of them is loose and had water in it but is now dry you could be trouble-free until it gets wet again! Don't replace things until you have identified the actual problem.