Battery Problems

[DRAIN MAN]

Came to start the bike this morning, very slow on turning over, seemed like a flat battery. After dekitting and going to find the starter charger I tried it again, turned over slowly then just managed to start.
Checked charging system, all ok at 14.2 volts.

Had more trouble with this bike in 9 week than I have had with my Toyota in 3 years ( which is nothing, never let me down so far !!!)

Never had this kind of trouble with Jap bikes, maybe I better send this one back and buy a Jap bike so that I dont worry about getting back home again after a trip out. That is if it will start to go out !!!

John

 

[JJH]

What bike is it? JJH

 

[DRAIN MAN]

A new 1200 GSA LC, purchased on the 15th March

 

[dave hendy]

When did you use it last and do you keep it on a charger??

 

[DRAIN MAN]

When did you use it last and do you keep it on a charger??

Last used yesterday for about 40 miles, this bike has now done 11650 miles from new. The bike is used most days and I do not keep it on a charger.

 

[dave hendy]

Since March this year? That's good mileage! Well you shouldn't need a charger then. Speak to your dealer and get them to check the battery and alternator, sounds like the battery to me though!

 

[DRAIN MAN]

Been on a bit of a trip !! charging system is working ok, I have already checked it, 14.2 volts when running.

 

[dave hendy]

Is it still ok when you have other loads on it? Have you seen there is another thread about having a battery replaced? Not sure how to link it from my iPad!

 

[dave hendy]

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371990

 

[Sgt Bilco]

If it's anything like the hexhead, the battery will go very quickly if it's not up to the mark and you will not start the bike. It's something to do with the magic canbus fluid not accepting a weak battery which it thinks won't start it. It's probably a bit more technical but you get my drift.

See if you can get another under warranty but if not, get yourself a Motobatt gel battery which is sensible money and gives loads of power

 

[JJH]

It looks like the battery. With the high comprision ratio it's almost like starting a 2.4 litre diesel and if you look under the bonnet of one of those you will see a battery about 6 times bigger than what's on the bike so if there's any little problem with the battery it shows up quickly. I would try a high rate discharge test which should show up any problems with battery. Really you should not get any guff from bmw. JJH