Battery discharging R1150GS

[tinwolf]

Well hello everybody.
First time writing to ukgser, I have a problem with my 1150GS.
I commute about 30 miles daily on a Honda 650 Vigor which means my GS goes a couple of weeks sometimes without a run, particularly as the weather gets poorer.
When I try and start the "beast" I often get the respons of a good turn over of the engine followed by a noise like the starter motor disengages, I understand that this is normal if the battery is low on charge (so a BMW service guy told me the first time it happeneed and I called them out).
But is it normal for the battery to discharge after a couple of weeks idle?
If not what do you recommend as a good battery/maintainer, I`ve looked at a couple (optimateIII)which have a cigar lighter attachment, would that be OK on the GS to plug in while it`s sat in the garage?
I know the obviuous answer is to ride it more but when you`ve been riding all week the attraction of a ride isn`t always there.
I hope someone can help as this is annoying on what is an awsome machine.

Ta
Tinwolf

 

[Tarka]

I`ve moved this Thread here from the Newbie Forum,which is intended as an introductory Forum.


Yes,an Optimate will be fine.

Hook the bike up to it whenever it`s not in use.



P.S.

Welcome aboard...

 

[Steptoe]

I`ve moved this Thread here from the Newbie Forum,which is intended as an introductory Forum.

Who gave you permission to put it into my forum .

 

[cookie]

But is it normal for the battery to discharge after a couple of weeks idle?

no

alarm fitted?

 

[tinwolf]

no

alarm fitted?

Nope there isn`t an alarm fitted, the last time I rode it, about a fortnight ago, I had to jump start it.
I then took it for a ride of about 50 miles or so (with the lights on I have to admit), and now it`s run down again.
I think I`m going to have to get an optimiser if it`s not unusual for the battery to run out.
Does anyone know if it can be plugged into the accessory socket?

 

[pragmatix]

Yep , you can charge via the socket.

Pete A

 

[Steptoe]

Another possibility is the battery could be finished

 

[Frank Warner]

Or the bike is not chargin it.

You need to do some measurements -

Discharge current from battery to bike with bike switched "off" .. should be less than 10 milliampre.

Battery voltage after "run" engine still running .. shopuld be over 13.5 volts.


------
You could disconnect the battery and see if the battery by itself (and not connected to the bike) will self discharge to the same level.

Once a week you could try commuting on the GS? That would keep the bike happier, as well as the battery.

 

[tinwolf]

Once a week you could try commuting on the GS? That would keep the bike happier, as well as the battery.

And me.

Hey Frank That`s a good excuse to get the GS out and terrorize the "dead heads" on the way to work in the morning.
The only problem is, the "beast" is a bugger to clean and they sure get dirty in this weather.
Thanks for the pointers on the battery I`ll check it out.