Is my battery dead?

[captaindefib]

On my Kawasaki ER-5, recently, when it has been cold, if often has trouble starting. It turns over but doesnt start, it then makes a clicking sound.
The first time it happened, I waited for a while, tried again and it started. The next time it wouldn't start whatever I tried. I tried to bump start it, but it would not go into any gear apart from 1st with the engine off.
I charged the battery, then it worked ok.
This has happened several times since.
My question is- do I need to buy a new battery? or could it be something else to do with the electrics which I should check first?

Thanks
Jim
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Captaindefib
2001 Kawasaki ER-5 >>> 1997 Suzuki GSX600F >>> 2002 Triumph Sprint ST 955i

[dransy]

Im not too sure on this but i kind of had this problem i charged up my battery and it was fine, i think its just the cold wet weather killing batterys?
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Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles

[Bezzer]

Sounds like your battery, but it might also be -
short slow journeys in the bad weather using lights and other electrical gizmos flattening the battery and not giving it chance to charge.
or reg/rec playing up not putting enough charge into the battery.
Test your battery with a multimeter to see what it's putting out, should hold a full charge of over 12.5 volts. Then run the bike with the multimeter still connected to the battery terminals it should rise with revs to 14-15 volts.
If both those are OK then invest in an Optimate or similar to keep it topped up, if the battery reading is low change it.
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I used to be indecisive but now I'm not quite so sure.

[bidman]

Hi, as previously said the battery is probably being used more than its being charged therefore loosing charge and going flat, or if you are getting good use out of the bike charging the battery fully then its more than likely you need a new battery, Dan
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Don't ride it, RAG IT!!

[captaindefib]

Thanks very much for all the suggestions.
I will try testing the battery tonight- but it sounds like the problem is that I have been doing lots of short journeys, and it has not had a chance to fully charge. (looking on ebay for Optimate !)

cheers
Jim
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Captaindefib
2001 Kawasaki ER-5 >>> 1997 Suzuki GSX600F >>> 2002 Triumph Sprint ST 955i

[True Blue]

Is it a sealed battery or does the acid level need topped up? When you test the battery check what the voltage drops to on crank. The voltage will dip momentarily so it will be easier to see if your multimeter has a "minimum" setting. It shouldn't drop bellow 7.5 v ish.
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Past >>>> Honda NSR 125 >>>> Suzuki GSXR 600 K1 >>>> Suzuki GSXR 600 K4 >>>>Kawasaki Z1000 DAF >>>>Suzuki RMZ 250 >>>> Current >>>> KTM Superduke R 1290 >>>>

[extreme3d]

[HurtMePlease]

I have had the same problem mate thankfully been able to bump my bike using 2nd gear, I honestly cannot wait for the winter to be over and daylight hours extended.
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Hear Thy Call..............................
Rs125 (97) <-Sold|Riding->ZXR400L2(92) Yamaha R6(01)

[captaindefib]