Battery and Dying problem

[brooder]

So I've read the threads about bikes dying and batteries not charging. What about both?

I can't get my battery to charge. It'll jump fine and sit at around 3V after jumping and turning the bike off. I'm showing good voltage while running. I don't think there's a drain (new to the multimeter and the thing jumps a bit when I look at it too quickly).

When I do get the bike running, it runs fine. However, when I hit the brakes, it dies. Quickly and completely. No clock even. I think it's only when I hit the rear brake though since I was using the front with no problem.

Here's my problem. I am not the person to be messing with anything involving current. I make a great test light. Could this be as simple as a short along wiring from the rear brake to the brake lights? If so, would it be better to fix or replace? If replace, is it involved?

[The CyberPoet]

It'll jump fine and sit at around 3V after jumping and turning the bike off.

That right there means the battery is toasted already.

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

[brooder]

And that sucks. I bought that battery in April. I've always managed to get at least a year out of the walmart batteries. Time to order that Yuasa from BikeBandit.

[diavolo]

Sounds like you have a few dead cells/internally shorted battery. You don't state how old the battery is, but I imagine it is securely mounted to prevent undue thrashing while riding. If it's not properly secured, that would accelerate it's demise.

[brooder]

Sounds like you have a few dead cells/internally shorted battery. You don't state how old the battery is, but I imagine it is securely mounted to prevent undue thrashing while riding. If it's not properly secured, that would accelerate it's demise.

I bought that battery in April.

It's attached using the bracket that I've always used. Wish I could find the receipt. I'd love to take it back and tell them where to put it. I need to find a local dealer with Yuasa batteries. I want to ride this weekend but can't without a battery.

[The CyberPoet]

Odds are you're going to have problems finding someone on a Friday with just the right Yuasa battery in stock, esp. charged and ready to go.

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

[brooder]

I have a charger, so I'm not worried about that. My other option is a Bikemaster battery that my Suzuki stealership has. At least they had it a couple of days ago. But it's $80.

[steves]

I have a charger, so I'm not worried about that. My other option is a Bikemaster battery that my Suzuki stealership has. At least they had it a couple of days ago. But it's $80.

I think I paid close to that for the last Yuasa I bought.

[brooder]

I just found a place with the Yuasa for $83. I'm trying to convince myself that the extra $33 is better when compared to the Wal-mart batteries.

[The CyberPoet]

IMHO, it is.
The plate density and materials choices are literally superior in a high-vibration, high-heat environment (you don't get to be the number one OEM supplier by having the same thing everyone else offers; you also don't spend 30 years in that position by failing to innovate).

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

[DumbLuck]

most places engrave a date on the battery case, try returning it anywho. ya never know, maybe wallymart will play nicely

[brooder]

most places engrave a date on the battery case, try returning it anywho. ya never know, maybe wallymart will play nicely

I remember that with cars. The puched out the date and if the battery failed before that date, they would replace it or at least prorate the refund.

[steves]

Is it low on fluid perhaps? Sometimes batteries get wacky when the fluid levels are low.

[brooder]

No idea. It's sealed (at least now, after burning my fingers with some acid the other day I don't want to open it again). But it's only 3 months old. I don't know how it would be low.

[steves]

No idea. It's sealed (at least now, after burning my fingers with some acid the other day I don't want to open it again). But it's only 3 months old. I don't know how it would be low.

If it's a sealed battery, and it's failed already... I'd be taking it back...

If you've only had it since April it's not like you've had a chance to freeze it solid or something.