A (not so) serious problem: need info....

[racing_fan]

Ok so the Fazer won't start... Battery seems too weak. Expected as I just parked it up in the garage about a month and a half ago :spank: and we have had it quite cold since. Only had a 10 minute ride about 2 weeks ago. But it has raised a few questions...

Is it normal to expect the battery to become weak enough if the bike is not run for a month or so? Or do I have a problematic battery?

I have a datatool alarm/immobaliser. The immobiliser was enabled during this period but the alarm was not. Has that drained the battery faster then usual?

How will the alarm be affected if the battery dies completely for a long time? It has some juice left for now, the engine turns over slowly but does not catch.

Can I jump start it from the car?

What options are there in terms of a battery charger? I'd like to avoid taking the battery out if I can help it..

 

[wansbeckjim]

Mine runs down in a month or so in the winter, I think it could do with a new battery but I bought a charger with a fly lead and just leave it plugged in.

 

[youngy]

If you have an alarm then an Optimate or similar is an absolute must, as the alarm drains the battery.

You can jump start it from a car, but the battery is in a crap location to get leads into.

Cold weather plus constant drain without charging will kill your battery (as you are discovering).

An Optimate will bring a battery back from the dead (or near as). As said above, get one with a plug in battery lead and leave it connected all the time you're not using the bike.

 

[Motogiro]

Other than charging the battery completely and then properly load testing it can you tell the condition of the battery.
Yes you can jump the bike from a car but Do Not Run the Car Engine This can toast your regulator.
If you can a battery tender would definitely help.

 

[racing_fan]

Thanks for the info guys...

Follow up: If I get it started, how long do I need to ride it for to charge up the battery???

 

[RJ2112]

Thanks for the info guys...

Follow up: If I get it started, how long do I need to ride it for to charge up the battery???

It needs to run at a speed above idle.... and it will probably take around 20 minutes to charge most of the way. I'd suggest at least an hour's ride to get it charged up completely.

 

[mattcox1987]

If you dont ride it regularly get a trickle charger it just hooks up to you battery hide the plug in you bike and leave it on charge they cost about $60.00

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Besides charging the battery, you should really run the bike long enough to burn off any moisture collecting inside the engine. To start is and let it idle for 5-10 minutes, IMHO, causes more problems/damage than its worth..

As stated above, an automatic battery charger (1.2 amp hours or less) with a connection cord to the battery is the way to go...

It'll pay for itself as your battery will last longer...