Talk to me about batteries

Artur · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 30 Nov 2009 Karma :

Hi all,

so my Hornet 04 is having issues starting up lately Sad

The starter engine turns over but very weakly, and I had to push start it a few times.
I think is the battery as I have recharged it and a couple of days later it doesn't start again, so it isn't holding the charge. I don't have an alarm or heated grips or anything connected to the battery.

Now, I need a battery and it's the first time I am buying one.
What options do I have, which type is better for a bike that is only riden occasionally, as in, good weather/days off, and mainly short distances.

thanks Thumbs Up

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- Honda Hornet 600cc '04

Wafer_Thin_Ham · Super Spammer Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Karma :

Buy a decent quality battery of the same spec and invest in a trickle charger to keep it in good condition.
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Artur · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 30 Nov 2009 Karma :

andys675 · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Karma :

yuasa, varta, exide
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P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Motobatt

Fizzer Thou · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Aug 2011 Karma :

I found that these people gave me good service

https://www.tayna.co.uk/Honda-CB-600-Hornet-Motorbike-Motorcycle-Battery-R2193.html

But if you can check that the battery is being charged properly first then you will not be wasting your time by buying a new battery when it might be something else.

If you can get a hold of a multimeter,check the voltage across the battery with the engine off.If it is about 12.5vdc that is normal.When you switch on the ignition does it drop to below 11vdc?When you press the electric start button does the voltage drop to way below 12vdc?
Once the engine is started does the battery voltage rise to around 13.5vdc?If you rev the engine does the battery voltage rise towards 14vdc?
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Artur · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 30 Nov 2009 Karma :

keggyhander · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Nov 2008 Karma :

MOTOBATT

Howling TerrorOutOfOffice · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

^^^What he shouted. Thumbs Up

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hellbound · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jan 2011 Karma :

My ZX stopped charging intermittently, it would be fine for weeks and then just run on battery power, 15 mile away from home and everything would die.

bump start or use another vehicle and it would be ok for a while then die two days later.

Turns out the multiplug between regulator and alternator was moulded together causing it to short out whenever it got knocked.

so i'd be fine for a while then a bump would short it and another bump would start it working again.
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Artur · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 30 Nov 2009 Karma :

Walloper · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Karma :

If you are keeping the bike and don't want to worry about batteries get a AGM battery.
About 20% more but fit and forget.
Over 8 years and no hassle with my batteries in four bikes and mine are parked up for 5-6 weeks at a time.

About 50 notes. Battery and acid charge.

Before you fook-up your investment though it would be prudent to check the charging system of the bike. You can buy a wee cheap avo meter from maplin for about 8 quid to test that.
Easy-peazy to check that too.
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Artur · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 30 Nov 2009 Karma :

Walloper · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Karma :

Put the red lead of the tester on the + post (red lead post, the Biggest of the two battery posts).
Put the black test lead on the - negative post.

Read the voltage.
This is the open cell voltage. On a good battery it should be between 12.5-13.5 (or a bit more).
Since yours is gubbed it may only show 12 or less. (But it could still show the correct voltage which will be another test.)
Start the engine and slowly increase revs till you see the 'open cell voltage begin to increase. maybe to 15v.
Continue to increase the revs and the voltage should remain at the first high reading. This it s point at which the voltage regulator is cutting the power to the battery. (a bit more to it than that but that will suffice for the purpose of this test.)
If the voltage continues to rise with the rpm it suggests the regulator is busted and that is killing the battery.

Most likely the charge system is fine so you will not see any massive voltage there.
Someone will be along in a minute or two to correct my brief theory.
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