Kawasaki 1400 GTR

1400 GTR - All Models => 1400GTR Discussion => Topic started by: Tony on February 10, 2016, 08:51:38 AM

Title: Batteries
Post by: Tony on February 10, 2016, 08:51:38 AM
Hi All

I've had my 2009 gtr now for a few weeks, to my shame ive only been out on her for two short rides about an hour a piece. The bike had been standing for two and a half weeks, when i went to start it it had a flat battery. I have charged the battery and my questions are;

1, The battery has dropped from 12.75v to 12.55v over 24 hours, is this enough of a test or should i leave it longer?

2, When i put the battery back on the bike what is the usual parasitic bleed draw on the gtr?

I am trying to decide if i should just buy a new battery and be done with it  :undecided:
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: nightrider on February 10, 2016, 09:25:41 AM
If it's the standard battery from new then I would put a new one in , it's on borrowed time once you get past 7 years old,
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Tony on February 10, 2016, 09:33:25 AM
Is there anyway of telling if its the standard original? although saying that its one owner with a pretty comprehensive service history and no record of a new battery.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Phill_York on February 10, 2016, 10:11:10 AM
I went through a battery every year as I have a lot of extra lights and radio equipment for NEG stuff and aren't always diligent at turning them off http://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/Smileys/default/oops.gif

Investing in an optimate has meant I need a battery every 2-3 years so it paid for itself in the first year. If you're going to buy one, do it now and see if it can recover your old battery. If it can't, you'll extend the life of your new one at least.

Hope that helps
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Tony on February 10, 2016, 10:15:14 AM
Thanks Phil

I have an optimizer, just waiting to get the electrics sorted in the garage. Only extras on the bike are the oxford heated grips which i did use on my two rides. Never had heated grips before so not sure if this was what caused the issue. I will put the battery on the bike a test it later in the week.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Burchy on February 10, 2016, 10:27:21 AM
I killed my OEM battery (2013) just by leaving the ignition on.  The battery was absolutley flat.  Couldn't even turn the key on!.  It recharged but was never the same and wouldn't hold a charge so it wnet and was replaced witha motobatt jobbie.  I like these with the extra terminals, meaning that you don't have to disconnect the main wiring to add accessories
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Tony on February 10, 2016, 02:39:49 PM
I forgot to mention there is a block of wood under the battery raising it up, does this mean it isn't a stock battery?

Soory but had a st1100 for years so getting used to the differences in the bike. which are many and good  :clap:
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Richard on February 10, 2016, 07:11:25 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 10, 2016, 08:51:38 AM
Hi All

1, The battery has dropped from 12.75v to 12.55v over 24 hours, is this enough of a test or should i leave it longer?


12.55 is fine, 12.5 is what you should have on a fully charged battery once the voltage has stabilised after charging.

Richard
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: virginiajim on February 10, 2016, 10:28:31 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 10, 2016, 02:39:49 PM
I forgot to mention there is a block of wood under the battery raising it up, does this mean it isn't a stock battery?


I would guess that Kawasaki has not come to the point....yet......of using wood spacers for the battery.  Not stock.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Lonewolf on February 10, 2016, 10:36:24 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 10, 2016, 10:15:14 AM
Thanks Phil

I have an optimizer, just waiting to get the electrics sorted in the garage. Only extras on the bike are the oxford heated grips which i did use on my two rides. Never had heated grips before so not sure if this was what caused the issue. I will put the battery on the bike a test it later in the week.


Tony how have you connected the heated grips? If they are connected directly to the battery, this could cause drainage, if you connect them to the front accessory connectors there will be no drainage as they only power up when the ignition is on.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Tony on February 11, 2016, 08:09:17 AM
Richard
its still holding at 12.56 so battery should be all good
virginiajim
cheers
Wolf
Grips were already fitted when i bought the bike, i will check out the wiring.