Left stranded by dead battery

[nigelp]

Stopped at North Weald aerodrome yesterday and when we went to leave after only a five minute stop, nothing, just the dreaded clunk of no power!

Fortunately one of my mates carries a short jump lead set and we got going, but what a pain! Have topped up on an Optimate from time to time, no sign of poor charging previously. Checked alternator when I got home and it was exactly as it should be.

BMW battery so hopefully the warranty is a two year one, lets see how good the service actually is. Oh it's Monday and it seems the network all have Monday off, understandable but frustrating!

 

[davegs]

Battery

This happend to me but at home, took it back and just got swapped no queries at all. Second one still going strong (or was till I wrote that!) that
was 2004.
dave GS

 

[Fanum]

That's the problem of using an optimate.....you mask the signs of a failing battery, then it will suddenly let you down completely, rather than you knowing it's going because it cranks slower over a period leading up to failing.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

That's the problem of using an optimate.....you mask the signs of a failing battery, then it will suddenly let you down completely, rather than you knowing it's going because it cranks slower over a period leading up to failing.

Summed it up perfectly Fanum.

 

[dancata]

That's the problem of using an optimate.....you mask the signs of a failing battery, then it will suddenly let you down completely, rather than you knowing it's going because it cranks slower over a period leading up to failing.

Fanum, can you please tell us how does an Optimate charger masks a failing battery?

BMW charger used here

Dan.

 

[Timolgra]

Fanum, can you please tell us how does an Optimate charger masks a failing battery?

Same way that an alternator does

 

[mr_magicfingers]

Fit the jump start stud to the starter cover, makes jump starting really easy. I carry a little set of bike jump leads from halfords. take up very little room and mean I don't get stranded. The starter stud means no taking covers off etc.

just pull the leads out, find a car or bike driver for 2 mins and you're on you're way.

Only needed it once but really useful late at night and saves waiting a few hours for the AA.

 

[cookie]

Fanum, can you please tell us how does an Optimate charger masks a failing battery?

BMW charger used here

Dan.

it may keep your battery seemingly topped up, so it will likely start the bike when the charger is removed.
but, if the battery is knackered, it may well lose charge very quickly when not on charge, so leaving you stranded.

this is what appears to have happened to the OP.

a healthy battery, on a bike with a properly functioning charging/electrical system does not require to be on a constant charge when left. maybe the occasional charge, but i'm talking about weeks between connecting to a charger.

BTW your bmw charger will have the same effect as an optimate in this regard.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Charger keeps the battery topped up but, as the battery loses it's capacity over time, you are, in effect, charging a smaller and smaller battery.
Eventually it will let you down - and that may be the first you know that you have a problem.

If you have a healthy battery, a healthy charging system, and you use it occasionally - you don't need an optimate.

 

[Trullion]

Charger keeps the battery topped up but, as the battery loses it's capacity over time, you are, in effect, charging a smaller and smaller battery.
.

Does it start rattling in the battery tray as a warning?

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Does it start rattling in the battery tray as a warning?

Yes, it does, and will eventually fall out to be left hanging by the wires.

 

[Geno]

Starting stub

Fit the jump start stud to the starter cover, makes jump starting really easy. I carry a little set of bike jump leads from halfords. take up very little room and mean I don't get stranded. The starter stud means no taking covers off etc.

just pull the leads out, find a car or bike driver for 2 mins and you're on you're way.

Only needed it once but really useful late at night and saves waiting a few hours for the AA.

Fitted a starter stub few years back , makes starting with jump leads a breeze , also very helpful for others with same fitting if they get stuck , small set of leads are easy to pack , Mine is 1100 . Just my tuppence worth . Geno

 

[nigelp]

Fitted a starter stub few years back , makes starting with jump leads a breeze , also very helpful for others with same fitting if they get stuck , small set of leads are easy to pack , Mine is 1100 . Just my tuppence worth . Geno

OK starter stub it is, will be on the bike for the weekend, hopefully with a new battery!

Thanks guys.

 

[nigelp]

Anyone know where to get the starter stub from please?

New battery from BMW under the two year warranty, well pleased!

 

[cookie]

Anyone know where to get the starter stub from please?

BMW sell a kit.

 

[Steptoe]

Anyone know where to get the starter stub from please?

!

You don't really need it.
Just remove the starter cover (one bolt) and clamp the positive jump leads onto the starter terminal and the earth lead onto the starter mounting bolt.