GTR1400 [2010] BATTERY PROBLEMS

[freelander999]

Hello, first post.
I am interested to hear from anyone who has had battery problems with their bike.
My bike is just over 1 year old bought from new and the battery loses powers to the extend that after one week the bike will not start. Kawasaki will not replace the battery.  The battery has not been misused and is usually connected to an optimate 360T.

Naturally my frustration is high.

Apart from that, a wonderful bike.

[Martin#30]

Welcome, and sorry to hear of your woes.

If the battery is normally connected to an Optimate, and still won't start after a week, I'd say your optimate is Fubar'd. If it is not connected to the Optimate, have you got anything extra electrical on the bike that may be drawing a load when the bike is switched off?

My 2010 will happily sit for 3 weeks and still start very easily.

I feel your pain over the principle here, but to be honest, a new battery will be less than £50 and would definately save you a load of hassle.

Martin.

[freelander999]

thanks for your reply. It only goes flat when off the optimate.

its been back to the dealership for over a week now and they confirm with me that it loses 0.2v daily.

They also confirm that there is no drain on the battery or shorts going on.  There was a 4KAM camera unit fitted but i disconnected that as part of my testing.

I put a meter across the terminal daily when not on charge to confirm a daily 0.2v drop.
However 1 year ago i left the ignition on when opening the security box and flattened the battery completely.  However the trouble never started for 6 months after that,

[Martin#30]

Once a battery is completely flattened, it never recovers I am afraid. I recognise that you had no issues for the next 6 months, but honestly, it is just a matter of time once a battery discharges completely. Automotive batteries are simply not designed to cope with full discharge.

If it were me, I'd fit a new battery. Small cost (relatively) to it stranding you somewhere and ruining a weekend/trip.

Martin.

[Lonewolf]

I think for the sake of simplicity I would just purchase a suitable new battery and see how you get on with that. If it resolves the problem then you will be a happy chap. If not then the bike will need to be tested by an auto electrician etc but if you bought the bike new it will still be under warranty and I would have thought such work would possibly be covered.
When a  battery goes it goes, they are very unpredictable beasts.  >:(

[freelander999]

Thanks guys, £40 is the cheapest that ive seen. there seems to be staggering difference between the 2 suitable Yuasa batteries, ~£50 and £109.

[Lonewolf]

Thanks guys, £40 is the cheapest that ive seen. there seems to be staggering difference between the 2 suitable Yuasa batteries, ~£50 and £109.

I purchased a Yuasa for a CB1300 as the existing battery was a dud. I think it was well over £100 and right from the outset the damn thing would not hold a charge. Took it back from whence it came, full refund, bought a cheap and cheerful battery which did the job with flying colours. Even the cheaper end of battery's are more than adequate, no need to spend an arm and a leg.

[Martin#30]

Thanks guys, £40 is the cheapest that ive seen. there seems to be staggering difference between the 2 suitable Yuasa batteries, ~£50 and £109.

Indeed, just done some searching myself and Yuasa recommend the YTX14H-BS at £110 ish. The equivalent without the H (which Yuasa state is High Performance) is only £45.

According to the parts fiche (http://www.cornwallkawasaki.co.uk/shop/shop.php?cmd=showdiagram&id=24321) Kawasaki fit a FTZ14-BS at £138 + VAT.

Manufacturers will not spend money where they don't have to, so I would say there *must* be a reason why they fit a more expensive battery. Damned if I can think what it is though, as I cannot imagine the GTR has a particularly unique set of battery requirements.

Personally, despite all that, I would be fitting the £45 one when I need a new battery.

Martin.

[Rusty]

Freelander .... I think as everyone says the best option is to get another battery .... there are, as you have found, many web sites that will be substantially cheaper than any K dealer and it will just save you so much aggro and stress !
Touching on what MJJ says about there "must " be a reason for that more expensive battery .... I think it comes down to brand names and income ... in my photographic days you could by a NIKON battery for the SLR for £89.99 ... I still have the original box with the price label on .... or, when the internet arrived go on line and buy the same battery that strangely enough, did not come in a Nikon box or with a Nikon sticker on it for only £14 !! I have plenty of those !!   ;D ;D

[100milesaway]

Freelander, Must agree with others that batteries are fickle pieces of kit, about 3 bikes ago I had exactly the same thing happen to me battery went from hero to zero in the blink of an eye. I know that you will be as sick as a puff with piles, but  I'm afraid you will have to go and buy a new one. :(

[Lonewolf]

as sick as a puff with piles :o
I really do worry about you Geoff ;)

[Rusty]

Yea, and don't think we don't worry about you too  ;D

[freelander999]

yep sourced a new YTX14-BS for £38. The YTX14H-BS is £109.
will install it Thursday.

[Lonewolf]

Hopefully that's all it is. However aren't batteries guaranteed for so many years now or even life? Can't the initial dealer get you another?

[freelander999]

new battery still going good. dealer could have sourced a battery however the same battery as I bought was £20 more expensive and a ridiculous fitting charge of around £30 (as i remember) from the dealer. And at the stage of purchase I was unsure if Kawasaki would cave in and pay the cost.