Battery problems - Horizons Unlimited

**Evanphoto** · #1 17 Dec 2002

I am having problems with my battery on my 1150gs. It is an 2002 and I just bought it days ago. I tried to start it this morning and it just turned over-no real cranking power. The clock also died overnight (is this due to the cold 28F or an electric problem?) Do I need to replace the battery? What is a good cold weather battery? Thanks.

**Grant Johnson** · #2 18 Dec 2002

The problem is probably a combination of two things - that temp will drop a batteries power by a huge percentage, and you have probably been running it slowly and gently to break it in - and not revving it enough for the battery to get an adequate charge for the temperature.

Get a good battery-tender type charger that you can plug in overnight and won't/can't overcharge it, and you'll be fine for the winter.

As you get more miles on it and the engine loosens up it will also require less juice to turn over, which will help, and you will be revving it more which will also help the battery charge fully.

The standard battery is fine.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**Blotto** · #3 23 Dec 2002

Don't worry about the battery. Had the same problem myself with a new 1150 GS (abs). At first it would hardly start (clicking and cutting out the clock) then when it did the abs wouldn't kick in. I put it down to just being parked up in the showroom with the clock eventually making a drain on the battery. I charged it up and have used an "Optimizer 3" charger ever since. I plug this into the accessory socket using a suitable plug (BMW or John Deere do one that fits). I use the bike every day with heated grips and headlight on in temperatures just above freezing at the minute and don't have a problem. For good GS info and tips try www.gsclubuk.net.

**BEER MONSTER** · #4 6 Jan 2003

I live about 4 miles from my work and sometimes in cold weather my 1150 slow at cranking over.I plug in an optimate 3 about once a week in the winter to keep the charge up and when starting pull the clutch in,that way your only turning over the engine and not the gearbox aswell.