Battery Woe

Cage is in for MOT today, so I decide to take the Zephyr to work.

All togged up and ready to go, will it start? will it buggery.

All I got was a buzz from the solenoid.

So, out with the battery charger. Still no joy, the engine would only turn
over with the enthusiasm of a turgid slug.

So, off to work I merrily go on the bloody TS50, in the rush hour.

Do batteries just die a sudden death, or is there likely to be a more
sinister problem?

 

What cold weather?

 

As DNC said, I think the Optimate types tend to put in a low amount of
charge - I wouldn't completely write off the battery until you've left it
charging for a few hours.

Bet you still enjoyed it...

Before I got an Optimate the battery on the GSX-R would flatten in about 3-4
weeks, but the battery itself seemed fine. I just left it plugged in when
not in use.

Is it still the original battery in the Zephyr?

 

First thing to do is make sure the terminals are absolutely spotlessly
clean.

 

Bump start it, you poof.

 

Well, I boost charged it for about 30 mins this morning, then gave up and
left it on trickle charge.
Just been home for another go, and it still doesn't want to play.

I am going to get a new battery I think. The one that's on there is prolly
original.

Hmm, it's been in the shed though, so shouldn't be that cold. Also, there's
no alarm or anything draining the battery.

 

Just been and tried it again after leaving it all morning on charge. No
joy.

I think so.

 

They are.

 

I did sort of try, but it was too heavy for ickle me.

 

<sigh>

Your posting name is completely wrong, you know.

 

I have been told.
In my defence though, where I live is very flat, and the Zephyr is very
heavy.
Also, I think the battery is so dead it isn't even making any spark at the
plugs, as I got it to turn over slowly at lunchtime but no sign of starting.

 

Just how fast does one need to be going to bump?

I tried it awhile back and all I did was cause myself to overheat somewhat.

 

I managed to get the ZZR going at work the other day, having left it on
parking light all day. The first bump gave me enough juice to get the
alarm turned off. The second started it. The trick is to jump on the
seat as you let out the clutch, or the back wheel just skids.

Mind you, it has to be said that I *am* 6'5", 17st, and I swim 6km a
week, on average, plus badminston and windsurfing.

Tiff

 

<salad dodger not to read the rest of this post>

I so know that feeling. I went to use the trumpet today and it didnt
have enough charge to even unset the alarm.

Last week I'd tried to use it but it was flat but with enough to unset
the alarm but not more than a flicker to the headlight filament.

I suspect in my case its a sinister problem as it was fullt charged
and used for two days last week, for a six month old bike it shouldnt
drop that much in six days.

Ive phoned truimph rider assist (RAC) [1] who insist that they need to
send someone out before they can recover it to a dealer so that'll be
two times I have to sit in and wait.

[1] free when buying a new trumpet.

--
Adie
(replace spam with nickname to reply)

UKRM FAQ: http://www.ukrm.net/faq/

Triumph 955iSS / GSF1200 bandit (pending) / GSF600 bandit (for sale) / CG125
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I took the car and a different route to work having heard on the radio
that the M1 was borked J13-6. If I needed to take a bike there's
always the 9R (and a CG).

The way I'm feeling I'm better having taken the car cos some sod has
given me their germs.

--
Adie
(replace spam with nickname to reply)

UKRM FAQ: http://www.ukrm.net/faq/

Triumph 955iSS / GSF1200 bandit (pending) / GSF600 bandit (for sale) / CG125
MRO#11 BOTAFOF#7 BOTAFOT#130 DIAABTCOD#17 MIB#24 YTC#16 BOB#15 ex-UKRMMA#22 BOMB#11

 

Doesnotcompute wrote

I suppose you get quite a bit of that these days?

 

They are after those days?

Phil

 

Winter, innit.

They all do that sir. Optimate [1] it periodically if you're laying it
up.

HTH

Paul.

[1] Or pull a blinder and get a Yuasa 12v Lead Acid bulk & trickle
charger in the Maplin sale for £8 ;-)

 

3am.

 

Poof. Tow it with a car would be more like it.