2 year+ old battery - Recondition or goner?

[Constructicon]

Hi guys,

 

My FZ1 Fazer was not ridden for 2 weeks and as expected, it failed to start by the usual ignition. A active alarm probably drained off some power too.

Got the bike going by push start.

 

But the battery condition has been going downhill these recent weeks, it takes just that split second longer to get the bike started.

The charging system seems ok since the voltmeter registers 14V at speed, but during idle it drops to around 13V or so.

http://smartercharger.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Comfort_Indicator_Pigtail.jpg

I got this Ctek indicator and it's been indicating that the battery is on the way out.

 

My question is, does taking out the battery to and hooking it to a charging system at a bike shop helps to bring it back to shape?

Or is it basically a gone case?

Its around 28 months and gone through 50,000 km.

 

Please advise!

 

Thanks!

[Tachnicolour]

Might want to take it down to limbatt to see if it can be reconditioned? Reckon during one of his monthly reconditioning days. Meantime, hook up charger as and when since you got one anyhow.

[crazydj]

Might want to take it down to limbatt to see if it can be reconditioned? Reckon during one of his monthly reconditioning days. Meantime, hook up charger as and when since you got one anyhow.

 

Yes, this. If you don't ride for long, then you could invest in a battery charger.

[Constructicon]

Might want to take it down to limbatt to see if it can be reconditioned? Reckon during one of his monthly reconditioning days. Meantime, hook up charger as and when since you got one anyhow.

 

I was hoping that my regular bike shop (Planet) can do the job by taking out the battery and charging it. Noob, but is this reconditioning or it there a special machine needed?

 

Yes, this. If you don't ride for long, then you could invest in a battery charger.

 

I suppose I need to dismantle the battery from the bike and hook up to the charger. Just the thought of taking out all the wires, alarm, ERP, indicator...is :S.

haha

[Constructicon]

Might want to take it down to limbatt to see if it can be reconditioned? Reckon during one of his monthly reconditioning days. Meantime, hook up charger as and when since you got one anyhow.

 

I was hoping that my regular bike shop (Planet) can do the job by taking out the battery and charging it. Noob, but is this reconditioning or it there a special machine needed?

 

Yes, this. If you don't ride for long, then you could invest in a battery charger.

 

I suppose I need to dismantle the battery from the bike and hook up to the charger. Just the thought of taking out all the wires, alarm, ERP, indicator...is

haha

Edited January 18, 2012 by Constructicon

[Tachnicolour]

I was hoping that my regular bike shop (Planet) can do the job by taking out the battery and charging it. Noob, but is this reconditioning or it there a special machine needed?

 

 

 

I suppose I need to dismantle the battery from the bike and hook up to the charger. Just the thought of taking out all the wires, alarm, ERP, indicator...is

haha

 

From what I can deduce, having followed limbatt's "recommended battery charger" thread, it seems like he has a couple of charger units. Those are the premium ones which have a "recondition" function which is capable of nursing back some dying batteries. Not all can be recoverd though, but it's worth going down. Look look, see see, shop for second hand charger.

 

 

Haha, if you regularly leave it for long periods, gonna have to charge it sooner or later! Maybe fashion a Power Distribution Box. Tap all your accessories and main harness to a distribution box. Then, your battery only needs to be hooked up to the distribution box. Install quick-connect to the PDB and one click, off comes the battery.

[Lexanez]

Hmm, something like this? Attached is my 1st version of the block.

 

 

 

Anyway, for a battery, that's more than 2 years old. It makes good sense to change to a fresh one (Prime it yourself for it to be as fresh as possible!)

 

As mentioned, it's good to have a battery conditioner since you don't really ride often?

[Constructicon]

From what I can deduce, having followed limbatt's "recommended battery charger" thread, it seems like he has a couple of charger units. Those are the premium ones which have a "recondition" function which is capable of nursing back some dying batteries. Not all can be recoverd though, but it's worth going down. Look look, see see, shop for second hand charger.

 

 

Haha, if you regularly leave it for long periods, gonna have to charge it sooner or later! Maybe fashion a Power Distribution Box. Tap all your accessories and main harness to a distribution box. Then, your battery only needs to be hooked up to the distribution box. Install quick-connect to the PDB and one click, off comes the battery.

 

Hmm, something like this? Attached is my 1st version of the block.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]232685[/ATTACH]

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]232686[/ATTACH]

 

Anyway, for a battery, that's more than 2 years old. It makes good sense to change to a fresh one (Prime it yourself for it to be as fresh as possible!)

 

As mentioned, it's good to have a battery conditioner since you don't really ride often?

 

Thanks for the replies.

 

My bike is ridden daily, but sometimes I left in at the carpark for days when away. And last week after 2 weeks, it went dead.

I am mainly thinking whether to just replace the 2 year+++ battery or to send it for charging and hope for the best. Or is it actually normal to be 'dead' after 2 weeks of non riding with an attached alarm.

 

During morning start ups, its 12Volts at rest. A press on the ignition switch, it dipped for a split second to 10V+ as the starter motor fires up, before regaining to 13.4V+/- on idle. Running with the engine tops it up to 14V+/-.

Not sure is it on the way out

[Lexanez]

Better replace? Its the cheapest amongst your electrical components and a inherent part of your charging system. A faulty battery that cannot hold charge can destroy the rectifier/regulator, causing AC voltage to run through your system and frying everything. Burning wires, faulty generator, etc etc will be the start of your electrical nightmare due to your penny pinching.

 

Normal charging should be between 13.5V to 14.5V. Anything in-between is fine. Hmm, 2 way alarm? Yeah, it'll drain your battery but unless it's activated frequently, I don't see how it could drain your battery, though it will be best to disconnect everything before you go for a long time.

 

It's part of your wear and tear, so get it changed soon!

[bikeyroo]

I noticed that life span of battery for FZ1 bikes is normally about one and half years. Yours lasted 2 years, considered good liao. Anyway, time to try out the latest type of battery?.....Ballistic or Shorai!

 

http://www.ballisticparts.com/

 

http://www.shoraipower.com/s-165326-FZS1000-Faser.aspx

 

Do let us know how good these batteries are if you decide to buy them. Unique is selling the Ballistic batteries.

[bernardk]

yup it should be gone case for 2 years old. Too long liao. Healthy battery will save you more money bro. Dun wait. It will affect your wiring as well. Cos once the battery cant charge and can contain the voltage, all the heat will go to the wirings and your CDI or Modular or whatever chip will burn then chao tah. If you were to be overseas for long, usually what i do is a day before i remove the battery from the bike. Just a few mins job. If you have a charger even better that you can charge while you are going away or once you are back. That extend the battery life. I been using this charger call Battery Tender. Not too bad.

[Constructicon]

Better replace? Its the cheapest amongst your electrical components and a inherent part of your charging system. A faulty battery that cannot hold charge can destroy the rectifier/regulator, causing AC voltage to run through your system and frying everything. Burning wires, faulty generator, etc etc will be the start of your electrical nightmare due to your penny pinching.

 

Normal charging should be between 13.5V to 14.5V. Anything in-between is fine. Hmm, 2 way alarm? Yeah, it'll drain your battery but unless it's activated frequently, I don't see how it could drain your battery, though it will be best to disconnect everything before you go for a long time.

 

It's part of your wear and tear, so get it changed soon!

 

I noticed that life span of battery for FZ1 bikes is normally about one and half years. Yours lasted 2 years, considered good liao. Anyway, time to try out the latest type of battery?.....Ballistic or Shorai!

 

http://www.ballisticparts.com/

 

http://www.shoraipower.com/s-165326-FZS1000-Faser.aspx

 

Do let us know how good these batteries are if you decide to buy them. Unique is selling the Ballistic batteries.

 

yup it should be gone case for 2 years old. Too long liao. Healthy battery will save you more money bro. Dun wait. It will affect your wiring as well. Cos once the battery cant charge and can contain the voltage, all the heat will go to the wirings and your CDI or Modular or whatever chip will burn then chao tah. If you were to be overseas for long, usually what i do is a day before i remove the battery from the bike. Just a few mins job. If you have a charger even better that you can charge while you are going away or once you are back. That extend the battery life. I been using this charger call Battery Tender. Not too bad.

 

Thanks for the advice!

 

I am thinking whether to change it now or wait until a few months later, since the bike still starts up without problem everyday. In any case, the battery seems to be nearing the end of its life liao.

I am not thinking of push starting that 210kg bike again anytime soon. haha...

[bernardk]

Dun think la bro change it. Battery less than $100 for Yuasa. If your bike touch wood break down or wat other cost may be more. Tow alone already $50 for some

[Constructicon]

Dun think la bro change it. Battery less than $100 for Yuasa. If your bike touch wood break down or wat other cost may be more. Tow alone already $50 for some

 

Think I will change it during the next servicing due in a few weeks.

The battery for the FZ1 seems to be in the range of $200 or something. Real hardcore!

[adesmond2]

lolx.. bring to limbatt and recon it.. My battery show signs of weakness and tot it's a goner.. but after reconditioning for 4 hours.. it feels like a brand new battery again.. =)

 

Oh ya.. After reconditioning, it lasted me another 2 years.. It was 2 years old at that point of time.. so I used it for 4 years and it's still good.. but I overhaul my bike thus change that battery as well.. LOL..

 

Planet dun offer for recon, they only charge.. So if you wan to charge, i would prefer you go and get it change..

 

Time = 4 hours for recon

$$$ = $2xx for changing

 

Your choice.. need to give up one of it..

[bernardk]

Think I will change it during the next servicing due in a few weeks.

The battery for the FZ1 seems to be in the range of $200 or something. Real hardcore!

 

You mean the mech change for you at a cost of $200 or DIY you buy the batt already $200?

[kinwei]

Think I will change it during the next servicing due in a few weeks.

The battery for the FZ1 seems to be in the range of $200 or something. Real hardcore!

 

$200+ sounds like yuasa Japan made. Yours should be size 10, 12 or 14. Just go KS motor buy the yuasa Taiwan made equivalent. It is cheaper a lot and function the same.

[ah786786]

I also had the same issue with a 2 yr old batt,recon the batt ard 4 hrs ,after 1 yr plus batt still doing good and when not riding for few weeks will take out and store it.

 

When back to riding plug back in and take for a short ride,minium 30mins.

 

Doing so for last 9mths still gd.But will be changing to a new 1 soon.

 

Thus my batt lasted me ard 4 yrs.