Flat battery, now nothing.

[Ilyin]

So I couldn't start my bike 2 days ago because the battery was flat.

So I charged it, but when I tried to start it today, it tried for a few seconds, then everything went off, all lights etc. Now I have zero power.

It was raining when I tried though, is it possible I've shorted something out due to rain?

It's got it's MOT on Friday so I was keen to get it running today (hence trying to start it in the rain with the seat off)

[Skudd]

Sounds like it is just your battery, unable to keep a charge. A new one is the order of the day.
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Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[Clutchy]

Could be a deaded battery, if it got below a certain level of charge, cells start to die and you may have dine permanent damage.

See if you can borrow a battery off of someone. Whats the volts across the battery? Get a multimeter as soon as you can.
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Malaguti F12 Phantom-Dead, Suzuki AY50- Dead, NRG power DD LQ, CBR125.
*33 BHP restriction up on 10/12/14* Current bikes/car: SV 650 S/ MKIV GOLF
Guide to pass your test with no lessons!

[Pete.]

Had it been flat for some time when you went to charge it? This can kill a battery off quite quickly.

If you're not even getting dash lights then check the fuses. If you're getting dash lights very dim the battery has had it.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Ilyin]

I initially (after charging the battery) got bright lights, and bike was trying hard to start (like battery was ok) then after maybe 3 seconds of trying to start all power was lost, not even the neutral light was on.

I've also checked the fuses and they are all fine.

So do I need a new battery?

It seems strange that it was OK at first trying to start the bike, then nothing.

[Clutchy]

[Ilyin]

I'll buy one on the way to work this afternoon then.

I've had the bike about 18 months now, and I've never replaced the battery, plus previous owner had seriously neglected it, so I bet it's overdue a new battery anyway now tbh.

Thanks all, I'll let you know tomorrow how I get on.

[Baffler186]

[J.M.]

Jiggle some stuff around, including the wires around the main relay. Take all the fuses out and check them for cleanness and replace them.

Loss of power like that can be attributed to a poor connection. I wouldn't expect a battery to instantly discharge even if it was dead. It was initially powering the lights so I would expect it, if dead, just just discharge quickly. Not flatten instantly.

You have a multimeter? Measure the voltage across the battery.
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[Rogerborg]

What were the electrolyte levels like before you topped them up with £1 of distilled water from the nearest garage or supermarket?

What voltage did your £5 multimeter show immediately after charging, after half an hour, while cranking, and afterwards?

Honestly, the amount of money and time people throw at batteries to avoid spending just a little on diagnosis and maintenance.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Ilyin]

Solved,

new battery solved it.

Thanks all.

[Rogerborg]

Do you know why it was flat? Unless it had been sitting around unused all summer, or the cells were dry, you're going to want to do yourself a favour and spend £5 on a multimeter to see if the new one is being charged properly.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Nick 50]