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13 May 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkShelley
Don`t know the age of the battery as it was on the bike when I got it in February. I will buty a new battery then whip it along to my friendly local mechanic (Paul Nobbs Motorcycles in Sutton, near Ely, diamond geezer!) so he can check the rectifier. Hopefully that will be ok as they are nearly £60.
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A hot battery after a run suggests either overcharging (regulator) or a battery gone high-resistance (new battery). I'd replace the battery first - if it's of unknown age it could well be past it. Then check the charging voltage. New reg/rec is an easy fix. Ten minute job, literally.
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13 May 2009
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The battery was showing a green light on the optimate after a night on trickle charge. I popped it back on the bike but it would still not operate the starter. I called my mechanic and he recons that a battery can show as ok on the optimate because it is making 12v, but its `cranking power` may be shot (I am guessing the amp rating?).
Should have the new battery to try out tonight so fingers crossed.
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14 May 2009
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Yes, a battery can show 12v+ and still be useless. The only sure test is what they call a 'drop test' or 'load test', where a device is fixed over the terminals and draws a heavy current briefly, which shows how good the battery is at storing and delivering a big current quickly. If it fails that test, it is unlikely to be able to turn the starter over.
When you get the new battery installed, put a multimeter across it. If your readings are:
12.5v - 13v with ignition off
13v - 14v with engine idling
13.5v - 14.4v with engine at half max revs
then you have solved it. (All figures approximate.) If it's charging at more than 14.5v, then you need a new reg/rec as well, as it's overcharging and will boil your new battery dry in short order. If you don't have a multimeter, get one - they are incredibly useful! Set it to volts in the range 0-20 to do the above test.
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14 May 2009
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She fired up first touch with the new battery and she is booked in for an early mot on Saturday when they will check out the rectifier. I will be using my Trident until then.
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15 May 2009
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Good so far ...
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15 May 2009
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Had a but clenchingly bad tank slapper on the Trident on the A120 near Dunmow today. There was a lorry strap or something in the road which my front wheel clipped. I was doing about 85 and I was seriously considering baling out as the thing was heading towards the armco. Luckily it sorted itself out just in time. I don`t want another one of those in a hurry!
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15 May 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkShelley
Had a but clenchingly bad tank slapper on the Trident on the A120 near Dunmow today. There was a lorry strap or something in the road which my front wheel clipped. I was doing about 85 and I was seriously considering baling out as the thing was heading towards the armco. Luckily it sorted itself out just in time. I don`t want another one of those in a hurry!
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It could be worse - it could have been one of these:
YouTube - [Motorcycle Accident]TT-Tankslapper-19sec
oya!
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
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Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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