Duff Battery or something else!?

[David Short]

I am on my second GS1150, 2003 model owned from me from new and covered 4.5k on it without any trouble. Until, last week went to NW200 and battery was flat the night before going. Put in on trickle charge and there was just enough to start the beast and it seemed to be OK starting after stopping. Got to Ireland and each day battery wouldnt spin the engine quick enough to start it.

Had to be very humbled into bump starting, much to the mirth of my Jap mounted mates. Once started, then OK for the rest of the day. I have no accessories attached other than heated vest leads but these are OK. Never had this problem before with the previous bike. Any clues??

Worrying to see in last weeks MCN similar problem with new GS1200, again the Jap brigade had read it adding to their mirth and preconceived ideas about Kraut bikes.

Speaking to others in Ireland and there seems to be a consensus that some batches of sealed batteries are duff.

At the moment my Royal Enfield is proving a more reliable starter!!!

Thoughts, ideas much appreciated

 

[rickyxsara]

Had mine replaced 3 weeks ago under warranty. I too have 03 Gs with 6000 miles. Dealer said it was the first sealed one that has went, Ricky.

 

[turbine_2]

Interesting. I had my battery replaced as faulty at about 10k miles and I was surprised. This is on a bike that does about 70 miles per day as a single journey so there's no reason for the battery to be low.

 

[David Short]

Ricky, David, Thankyou. Nice to know I am not alone. Hopefully it is just that , faulty batteries. I was wondering whether it was anything to do with the lights being hard wired. my previous GS had the light switch so at least when it was being started everything was going to spinning the motor instead of running the lights as well. I'll give it another go with a new battery under warranty but if it goes again I'm off back to products from the land of the rising, ( never ever go wrong ), sun! Cheers

 

[MikeO]

I was wondering whether it was anything to do with the lights being hard wired. my previous GS had the light switch so at least when it was being started everything was going to spinning the motor instead of running the lights as well.

The 1150 has an interrupter circuit which isolates all the electrical bits while the starter is turning...

Mike

...except the fuel pump & ignition system, I expect...