Topic: Battery Issues I think... 1973 Honda CB500... First Bike

[MotoLion]

OK...
I bought the bike a week ago. Was having issues. starting on it's own but it would roll start and run great. I did this for about 3 days. I posted here on the forum and people were talking bad battery. I got a new battery and new oil... Put the oil in first and the bike started great. I took it for a spin.. 1.5 hours... I came back and let it sit for a few hours. Tried to start it but it failed to start. All I here is a buzz. It doesn't turn over. I switch to the new battery. Boom! Starts like a champ. I was going for a second ride of the day and It died 1.7 miles in to the ride as I was taking off from a light. I pulled to the side and it would turn over but not start. I let it sit and it would start but would flutter and die as I tried to engage 1st gear. Today the bike started just fine... went and fueled up and about 1.7 miles... it did the same thing. Died at a light while I was starting from 1st.

I also fixed an oil leak by tightening the bolts on the top of the engine (circled in blue).
I noticed a little bit of white smoke coming out of this hose that is attached to the top of the engine (circled in red).


What do you guys think?

[TwoTired]

I think you should measure the battery voltage...
At rest
Switch On
At idle RPM (1000)
+1000 RPM
+2000 RPM
+3000 RPM
+4000 RPM

[Sami1987]

+1 on the battrie test! The white
Smoke is condensation which is
Normal on a cold engine.

[Stev-o]

Sounds like your bike's electrical system is not charging the battery.

Check voltage as TT suggested above. Report back.

[Airborne 82nd]

All good ideas with the bike new to you a 3K tune up would be in order good for the bike and you will get to know the different systems of the bike. It is always the second thing I do with a new to me bike.