748 battery??

jodycraw · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 26 Aug 2003 Karma :

I bought a Ducati 748 the end of last week, it runs fine when started but the battery goes flat a few hours after being switched off and won't re-start.

I had an RVF400 before and had probs with the rectifier/charging - I'm hoping its not gonna be that again!!

I think it might be that the battery isn't holding its charge, but was wondering if anyone knew what it might be or had any experience of this. It has an alarm/immob

Anyone got any advice??

kev · I Hump Things Joined: 07 Oct 2002 Karma :

Well your not going to want to hear this but ducati electrics are generally rubbish and the regulators do go quite often. Your best bet is to go to a bike shop and have the charging system checked or you can pop round to mine and I will have a quick look at it for you.
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G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Oh no!... another 748 rider in Berkshire Rolling Eyes

If you say it goes flat after a few hours of being switched /off/, there may be a short circuit somewhere (I presume you're not leaving parking lights on Smile

)

Worst case, you could always discconect the battery when you stop Smile

TiN · Pocket Tin Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Karma :

Could it just be a dodgy battery? I think that a mate had to replace the battery (amongst other things Razz

) on his 996.

And are you sure that it *is* the battery? How do you solve the problem - recharge the bike each time? Do the lights etc, work when the battery is supposedly dead?
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jodycraw · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 26 Aug 2003 Karma :

Well, I went to Solo motorcycles (on the way into Slough) yesterday to buy a trickle charger, and he tested the battery. It had charge in it, but when I alarmed it the charge went down a bit, then when i tried to start it it dropped right down again and wouldn't start (had to push it again). The guy there thinks it is the battery.

It seems when the battery is charged (either by riding or using a battery charger) it starts OK.

Also the bike has only done 300 miles since January this year, even the brakes needed bedding in a bit before they felt sharp.

kevo · Cop Seeking Missile Joined: 26 Aug 2002 Karma :

Maybe it's a Ducati feature to cut down on the wear and tear, you'll have time to clean and polish it again as well Laughing

Ducks.

Regards,
Kevo.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Just sounds like an old and knackered battery. When they get old they often stop holding charge for any length of time.

All the best

Keith
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jodycraw · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 26 Aug 2003 Karma :

Had a new battery fitted last night after finally finding out what one it is! The no was on the very back of the battery, right in the hardest place to look at without taking it completely out (same battery as an R1 it turned out to be).

It worked!! Hopefully thats going to solve it now, it started this morning too without me having to run it down the road...