Topic: Overnight Dead Battery

[Happy Elbow]

So yesterday I rode my '78 CB550K and it ran great, but for a slight squeak from the front brake caliper being a bit too tight. I fixed that before going on my ride today, hopped on my bike, pressed the starter and ... nothing. I tried the kickstart too and didn't get anything. The lights were on, but I noticed the neutral light was dim enough that I could barely see it was on. I bumb started it and that worked fine, although after riding for ten minutes it still died at idle if I didn't keep the throttle open. I took the battery out, and it is a Walmart Everstart battery put in by the previous owner that looked very similar to this



The fluid inside appeared to be below the lower level line, but I'd be surprised if that happened overnight. Over the past few weeks I've been riding every day, but only for 15 minute trips. Do you think its a problem with the battery or the charging system, or something else entirely?

[goldarrow]

Keep in mind these old sohc4 don't charge well if at all under 2500rpm. I'd say try to charge it overnight and try again tomorrow

[scottly]

I bumb started it and that worked fine, although after riding for ten minutes it still died at idle if I didn't keep the throttle open. 15 minute trips. Do you think its a problem with the battery or the charging system,

Since the bike keeps running as long as you keep the revs up, the charging system is probably working.
1+ to recharging the battery.

[PeWe]

Too low level of the acid will cause BAD battery. Make sure that the level is correct by filling it with battery water, then charge it.
Next step is to purchase a new battery. Sealed battery has no fluid level to check or possible to leak and harm the frame, chain and whatever the acid will get in contact with.

[Happy Elbow]

Okay thanks for the replies. I will be looking into a sealed battery. As to the charging issue, is there a way to improve the system so that it can charge at lower rpms?

[Davidov]

A battery can only be expected to work well for 2 years if properly maintained.

There are a few improvements you can make to make sure full charging effort from the alternator is put to use.
Updated regulator and/or rectifier.

[flybox1]

Okay thanks for the replies. I will be looking into a sealed battery. As to the charging issue, is there a way to improve the system so that it can charge at lower rpms?

ride at higher rpm's for longer periods of time.

[Happy Elbow]

Thanks for the input. Anyone have recommendations on a good battery that will fit in the stock harness?

[edwardmorris]

Ever Start batteries should be renamed to (n)Ever Start after about 6 months. They're cheap and their lifespan is about as good as a mosquito's.

Hard pressed to say it any better. My 750 came with one of these loathsome things and gave me hell when I was a clueless new owner. Took it to autozone for overnight drip recharge, started the bike next morning, then died that same evening  I bought a nice tender, filled up the fluid appropriately and hooked it up, only to wake up to a large puddle of stinky fluid all over my basement floor. On its way to the batter recyclers.

[goldarrow]

For 550, scorpion battery has a sealed type. Perfect fit.  No acid to worry about staining your exhaust or eat your frame paint. 

[Sami1987]

Mosquitos live alot longer than
Those never-starts!! 

[scottly]

Ever Start batteries should be renamed to (n)Ever Start after about 6 months.

Oh no!! My Everstart will turn 6 months old in 9 days. What symptoms of impending sudden death should I be watching for?

[Mooshie]

Ever Start batteries should be renamed to (n)Ever Start after about 6 months.

Oh no!! My Everstart will turn 6 months old in 9 days. What symptoms of impending sudden death should I be watching for?

Scott that just made me laugh out loud. 

[scottly]

 
BTW, did you ever find out what size jets were required when PODS were fitted to Dash?

[Nic]

I bought a lead acid battery ( roadstar/turdstar ) 9 months ago, it's gone already, cost me $80, just bought an AGM for $50 with free shipping, wonder how long it will last.

[przjohn]

I have had excellent results with the Lithium Batteries offered by Antigravity on several bikes. No more Battery Tenders, (which still kill batteries in my experience if you don't watch them and maintain a fluid level on long term charging) acid stains, or refilling batteries. The battery can sit for a year and still be near 100%. I have them in Kaw Triples, Yamaha RZ and RDs, a Norton Commando, and KTM dirt bikes. Some of these bikes sit for long periods and always fire right up.

  What will kill them is parasitic drain, and overcharging regulators, which don't do much for Lead Acid either. There are several manufacturers of Lithium batteries on the market but I started using Antigravity mainly because of a thread on ADVRider. A guy there who is in the UPS Power Supply Business tested the Lithium brands and gave Antigravity the best grade. The Lithium batteries are more money but if you are replacing batteries a lot they are a good investment. I like Lithium just for the install and forget it factor.

[edwardmorris]

The forum never ceases to teach. I had no clue they sold a Li ion batt for motorcycles, time for some obligatory "research"  .

[TwoTired]

The forum never ceases to teach. I had no clue they sold a Li ion batt for motorcycles, time for some obligatory "research"  .

There a several lithium battery variations.  The one which is applicable to SOHC4 is LiFePO4 or Lithium Iron Phosphate.  However, best to plan on replacing the electro-mechanical voltage regulator with an electronic one as well, which has an adjustment for 14.4V max charge voltage to the battery.  Also, lead acid batteries will withstand a severely depleted charge and allow restoration with forgiveness.  Lithium types lose capability when this occurs and no motorcycle voltage regulator protects the battery from extreme discharge.  So, the operator must becomes it's savior, by frequently monitoring an added voltmeter to the bike's electrical system.
You really should have modern systems with modern technology, or plan on replacing that $135 battery frequently.

[edwardmorris]

The forum never ceases to teach. I had no clue they sold a Li ion batt for motorcycles, time for some obligatory "research"  .

There a several lithium battery variations.  The one which is applicable to SOHC4 is LiFePO4 or Lithium Iron Phosphate.  However, best to plan on replacing the electro-mechanical voltage regulator with an electronic one as well, which has an adjustment for 14.4V max charge voltage to the battery.  Also, lead acid batteries will withstand a severely depleted charge and allow restoration with forgiveness.  Lithium types lose capability when this occurs and no motorcycle voltage regulator protects the battery from extreme discharge.  So, the operator must becomes it's savior, by frequently monitoring an added voltmeter to the bike's electrical system.
You really should have modern systems with modern technology, or plan on replacing that $135 battery frequently.

Thanks! Saved me some trouble there. I'll do my due diligence and look into it some more, but after the the pain I went through acquiring all NOS electrics, I don't think I can shell out for another regulator. I think I might resort to the old yuasa, at least in the beginning....

[ofreen]

A battery can only be expected to work well for 2 7-8 years if properly maintained.

Fixed it for you.

[scottly]

Ever Start batteries should be renamed to (n)Ever Start after about 6 months.

Oh no!! My Everstart will turn 6 months old in 9 days. What symptoms of impending sudden death should I be watching for?

My cheap (n)Ever Start battery is now 3 years old, and is still able to crank my Ft thumper into life, even in the cool temps lately.

[BomberMann650]

If you really want to upgrade the charging system, oregon motorcycle parts makes a nice little solid state voltage regulator that does a nice job at mid rpm

[Airborne 82nd]

If you really want to upgrade the charging system, oregon motorcycle parts makes a nice little solid state voltage regulator that does a nice job at mid rpm

Did you notice this post is from July  2014   

[BomberMann650]

If you really want to upgrade the charging system, oregon motorcycle parts makes a nice little solid state voltage regulator that does a nice job at mid rpm

Did you notice this post is from July  2014   

Aww hell.  Who keeps bumping old threads?!?!