Battery voltage

[Pukmeister]

The only way to truly know the state of a battery is to put it on a "drop tester" where a load is applied and its performance measured.

One of my diagnostic testers (TOPDON AL500B) has a battery test function and has shown many a supposedly good battery as on its last legs or past the point of no return.

In the case of my then two year old 1250GSA, the OE battery showed 12.3V at rest, but on cranking the bike it dropped below 9.3V and was actually fecked.

 

[Doc]

Doc, whatever you do, do not buy the battery from Indian, you will pay 3x price.

The battery has an Indian part number on it, just ignore that, look for the manufacturers part number Yuasa on most Indians. Use this number to buy the right item from a motor factor. I bought my last one from Halfords for a fraction of the Indian price. It’s the exact same battery without the Indian info stamped on it.

Bought this.

 

[fatbaldbob]

Indians are a bit fickle with batteries, I had one in a Roadmaster that lasted only 18 months, yet I’m still on the original battery in my CDH and that’s been happily cranking and still going strong now for 11 years; that said it has no RC or related systems so I’m guessing that’s what makes the difference.

Current RM is three years old and battery is starting to show some signs of weakness.

Ref a trickle charger, Indian provide a connection point for you with an SAE connector, take note of the maximum charging rate in the manual and select an appropriate charger that won’t overcharge.

 

[fatbaldbob]

This Sealey charger is what I use, it comes complete with the correct SAE connector fitted so will plug directly to the installed Indian charging port, no need to access the battery to fit pigtails etc.


I also use one of these things (pic below) again it connects to your existing port and gives an instant pic of battery condition, flashes green at full charge, amber if it needs a boost and red if discharged below required starting voltage. You can also connect a charger in line with it. I carry it in one of the storage cubbys so you can check anytime if out and about.

 

[Doc]

Indians are a bit fickle with batteries, I had one in a Roadmaster that lasted only 18 months, yet I’m still on the original battery in my CDH and that’s been happily cranking and still going strong now for 11 years; that said it has no RC or related systems so I’m guessing that’s what makes the difference.

Current RM is three years old and battery is starting to show some signs of weakness.

Ref a trickle charger, Indian provide a connection point for you with an SAE connector, take note of the maximum charging rate in the manual and select an appropriate charger that won’t overcharge.

View attachment 486394

Yes use that with my charger Bob.

 

[Guru Gora]

SAE direct to battery.

Optimate 1

Sit back and chill

 

[Doc]

IndoTeam Digital Multimeter Tester - Voltmeter Ohmmeter Ammeter Multi Voltage Tester Meter with Backlit LCD Electronic Test Meter - Voltage Testers measures Voltage, Current, Resistance, Diode https://amzn.eu/d/08jWe0SL

Received it thanks for the heads up.
Have i got this set right please ?

 

[NeilDD]

Yes

 

[ChasF]

Battery voltages (fully charged, at rest) vary a lot. This is the battery in my camper, it has never been higher than this in the nearly six years I’ve had the van, it’s an AGM battery like the Motobatt ones. Much of the problem is with the vehicle electronics that only work properly within a narrow voltage range.

 

[Guru Gora]

That’s the correct set up

 

[Guru Gora]

Top tip.

If you can get someone to help.

If you film it on phone you can check accurately rather than ‘I think it dropped to this’

 

[Doc]

Top tip.

If you can get someone to help.

If you film it on phone you can check accurately rather than ‘I think it dropped to this’

Our lass is chief helper or it could be the other way round.

 

[SBD]

Suppose it would help if I had one.

Get one with a min-max function. RS.com or similar.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

Get yourself one of these Doc

Takes a couple of minutes to fit.

 

[Doc]

Get yourself one of these Doc

Takes a couple of minutes to fit.

Cheers never seen one of those before

 

[twizzle]

Said it before…..


CCA is the answer…..

You will need 310-320 CCA for a big twin, more if possible….

Oh, at 12.3v from cold… battery is goosed

 

[Doc]

Better already with new battery fitted.

 

[fatbaldbob]

Result