Help! Battery flat right before a trip, should I replace or charge?

Sod buying a new battery, save your money and ruin your holiday.

:jes

Super that you’ve spent the money, of course. Some won’t (and survive) whilst some won’t and won’t.

Steptoe’s little joke / observation / simple good advice (call it whatever you like) was not so much directed to you as to the latter, I suspect.

:beerjug:
 
Sorry I don't see that thread.

Edit: Ah this one? I didn't think to look on the 1300 board.

Maybe the Travel section needs a sticky: ‘My battery is as dead as a thing. Should I replace it before going on my awesome steed on an equally awesome holiday, or should I chance it and save £50 to spend on scran’n’brew in me digs?’.

:beerjug:
 
You’ve got faulty elecs or a duff battery if it’s flat after only 3 weems. My bikes always start even if left for 2 months in cold weather.
 
65 quid for peace of mind is a bargain.

Bon Hols
 
you want help ,
learn this, and learn it fast , modern batteries , work , work , work , drop dead .
no warning they just do .
I've had punters , have a battery failure at a M-way services .
you can force feed them with the right charger , and they might live for 2-3 weeks more .
i have a tester , it is harsh , it will tell me to replace battery , punter says NO , within a month the battery is dead at home ( if lucky ) at the side of the road , or at work ( if unlucky )
charge the new battery fully , then check that the bike is charging , NOT ON THE DASH , with a meter.
and take a jump pack anyway.
 
Carry a spare, just in case. :green gri

spares.jpg
or 2.
spares2.jpg
3 would be just plain daft. :pullface
 
Last edited:

take this one…..​


Katie

Member​

UKGSer Subscriber
JoinedDec 2, 2025Messages77Reaction score64LocationGloucestershire
Yuasa YTX14-BS

This came off my Moto Guzzi after 6 months use about a year ago (terrible electrical system - lithium battery was a necessity if I wanted more than 1 accessory on at a time!) and has sat in the garage since. Put it through the Optimate yesterday and it took a full charge. Double checked again today and went to full after a short period so should be good to go.

Free to collect from Cheltenham

IMG_20260606_111014069_AE.jpg
 


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