weak battery

[czakal]

I had a scare this morning as my bike didn't start, and I didn't know how to use the kickstart (this is the only bike I ever used that had one...). I only got it working again when I got back this evening. Is it any cause for alarm if the battery goes a bit weak, or does it happen from time to time even with healthy batteries?

Seb

[Nexus Icon]

[czakal]

It sounds stupid but I never used one before, and I was panicking a bit as I was getting late to work. I didn't realise I had to kick it much harder (it felt like the kick lever was stuck, but I didn't know I had to just kick it harder...). Stupid but true.

Seb

[waffles]

Batteries run themselves down if there is anything on your bike that flashes or beeps when the ignition is off. If you don't run your bike in a while the battery should be OK for a while unless its on its way out. Easy way to check is to get it drop tested.

Also - kickstarting a bike is easy peasy, gently push down until you feel some resistance then back to the top and give it the beans.
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Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125

[czakal]

SO it is pretty easy when I found out on returning this evening...
I don't think there's anything draining the power when the ignition is off. All the lights go out. I did recently have to fix the spring that connects the rear brake lever to the brake light switch, but even if I did something wrong there I can't really see how that can drain the battery, if all the lights go out when the ignition is turned off. At least it's good to know I have the kickstart as backup.

Seb

[von1papen]

You have a kickstart and yet you choose to use electric? Real men kick their machines into action

(Not that I have much choice......)

[Nexus Icon]

[czakal]

It did feel a lot more satisfying than the electric start I have to say. More importantly it's a huge convenience on a budget commuter, as I need it to start every morning.

Seb

[waffles]

Did you ride your bike over most of the winter? Cos really cold temperatures absolutely muller batteries. The ex boyfriend found that out the expensive way with his aeroplane, after it sat in a freezing cold hanger for three months it was completely shot and nearly £200 for a new one.
____________________
Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125

[czakal]

I only had it for 1 month. 1 previous owner, did 10000 km in a year so probably used it year round. Winter riding didn't give me similar problems in my last bike.

Seb