[Martin]

Had a strange problem yesterday... I went to start the bike in the morning and it was very difficult to get started... it would stumble and cough and die. Then it started and it seemed to be running OK so off I went.

After work, I went to start it and just got the dreaded "clicking" noise... I eventually found the positive battery terminal screw loose so I tightened it and thought I was golden but now the battery was dead. :furious:

Luckily, my buddy here at work was just leaving in his truck so I got a boost and got home. :hurray:

What I'd like to know is... is it possible for a loose connection to cause the battery to discharge? Maybe I drained it getting started that morning and due to the loose connection it couldn't recharge properly?

Maybe the battery just needs to be replaced (the bike is a 2005 650)?

Some other possible influencing factors are that I replaced the spark plugs (with NGK Iridium's) on Saturday and went for a long ride on Sunday that was fairly rough at times but without any problems. I was about 20 km up an old bush road so it's a good thing the bike didn't die then!

- Martin

 

[greywolf]

Many auto parts stores will load test your battery if you want to check it. The loose connection easily could have been the only problem though.

 

[chicago]

A loose battery connection could cause it not to charge. If your battery is 6 years old I would be inclined to replace it especially since you like to explore the back country. Personally I've been disappointed with the less expensive batteries in the auto stores and just go for the Yuasa.

 

[rconti]

Yeah, batteries have been known to go as soon as 3 years in. I'd replace it -- 6 years is pushing it. The extended cranking is probably the straw that broke the camel's back.

 

[Martin]

Thanks for the feedback.

A new Yuasa batt is on the way from Amazon/Powersport Superstore... price was $78.41 with shipping. :hurray:


- Martin

 

[chicago]

A few years ago when my 6 month old Chinese battery (bought at an auto store) failed me I was far from home. I paid $120 for a new Yuasa in Nova Scotia. The parts guy told me he used to work at a motorcycle dealership that sold Korean bikes and they found it easier in the long run to replace the Chinese batteries that the bikes were shipped with from the factory before they were sold.