PDA

View Full Version : Cold starts = Battery drain

dazzi-b
05-06-2004, 01:26 PM
My '98 900 is a pain to start when cold (maybe that should have said "DRAIN")it seems to take a lot out of the battery at times. Am I doing something wrong when it comes to firing her up? :confused:
A Yerbury
05-06-2004, 03:16 PM
a cold snap can really drain some batteries, 4 cold days in dec mine wwas flat.
Pedro
05-06-2004, 03:44 PM
Worth using an Optimate Battery Conditioner when not in use - keeps the battry charged up very nicely.

Other than that, a bit of choke?

Ped
crust
05-06-2004, 03:45 PM
Fraid thats the way they are, sticking the battery under the tank means it cant be too big.

if you've got a garage get an optimate battery charger and leave it connected

if not before you turn the ignition on, put the bike in gear and rock it backwards and forwards a few times. Then back into neutral and start as normal.

:) Crust

yeah, what he said ^
A Yerbury
05-06-2004, 03:48 PM
what does that do crusty?
crust
05-06-2004, 03:54 PM
what does that do crusty?

It breaks the stiction between the various bits of the engine. Takes some of the initial strain off the battery.

:) Crust
spacemonkey
05-06-2004, 11:48 PM
Good thinking, Batman. I have thought of getting one of those Yuasa Super MF sealed battery things with all that blurb about 30% more oomph etc etc, but is it a snake oil or a genuine thing? Has anyone tried anything but the standard battery?
dazzi-b
06-06-2004, 09:37 AM
I tried the rocking in gear before starting this morn before my ride out, it seemed to help in a big way. Thanks for the tip :D
spacemonkey
07-06-2004, 08:53 PM
Another thought-if you park outside but secure, you could wire up a socket somewhere and use one of those Maplins solar panel battery chargers designed for cars.
dazzi-b
09-06-2004, 05:15 AM
Hiya,
The bike is garaged overnight so I'm going down the Optimate route. I like the rocking idea, it really does seem to help :) :) :)
HUNTER
09-06-2004, 03:31 PM
I had some problems in firing up in winter, taking a few goes....then I switched to Super Unleaded for winter use ----- SORTED. Battery now 4 years starting almost every day, travelling in and around London. They don't last forever and I'm thinking about changing it this Autumn.