Hi all, I wanted to ask for people’s thoughts on some battery issues I’ve had with my Hyper 796. I had to change the battery after again after only 2yrs. I got the usual 2000rpm idle for a few weeks, then a low bat warning and engine light on startup. It then completely crapped itself and I got the ****** message on the dash, then nothing. I’ve only had this problem since fitting an LED headlight, but I’ve read they draw less current than halogen. Others have said leaving the bike on my optimate has killed the battery. Could an LED or an optimate kill a battery? Are there any other possibilities? Cheers!
I was told by a well-respected indie that leaving a battery attached to an Optimate was not a good idea. Optimate, OTOH, said it's perfectly OK, it's was the chargers are designed for. But they would say that wouldn't they!
Optima yes have fried a few of my batteries over the years. I don’t leave them on full time anymore. Autocorrect: Optima yes = Optimates
I only connect my bikes about once a month. Never leave batteries on a charger permanently. Better to let them drain a bit and recharge. That's what they are designed for.
After three weeks with the new battery, the problems continue. Now it won’t start at all. It cranks once, and then won’t turn over anymore. It’s got over 12v in, but With the starter button pressed the battery voltage goes down to about 8v. I’ve changed the relay, battery and starter cables, I’ve put the normal halogen bulb back in but now I’m out of ideas. Any suggestions where else I can look? Cheers
Have you been riding it regularly over that 3 weeks? If so, have you checked the alternator output to check whether it's charging the battery? I assume that you've not kept it on the Optimate over the 3 weeks because of the advice above. Have you got a high-drain alarm/whatever connected? My opinion is that, if you use a proper Optimate battery maintainer (not a simple trickle charger), it's perfectly ok to keep it connected. This what I have done with 2 bikes for the last 4 years & they're perfectly ok. Also - if the reg/rec is dodgy, it could be draining the battery because of insulation or similar breakdown. You'd need measure that to check, but if you do the alternator-outout check, checking the reg/rec would include that too...
Yep, I’ve been riding it and not had it on the optimate. I rode it all day yesterday and a few times it was hesitant at starting, slow cranking. I did check the voltage (onboard) when it was running and it showed over 13v. I think it is charging. Today, it cranks once and then nothing.
Ok, useful. The reg/rec DC-output voltage should be up around 14V when you're around 3-4000rpm (or near enough), so it may still be a charging issue (if you're seeing nearer 13 than 14V). Not sure I can add anything more from here, other than to upgrade your battery-to-starter cables.
Cheers Keith. Today’s update is when pressing the starter, I’m getting 8v between the starter +ve terminal and engine earth. That’s what I get across the battery too, so I don’t think im losing any volts. The next step is to change the reg/rec. I have already fitted the exact start cables and replaced the solenoid under the seat. Im running out of things the replace.
One further update on this lot, I reckon the starter is buggered. I bridged the solenoid under the seat, instead of spinning up nicely, the started turned hesitantly and I could see the current draw getting too high. But, I’m buggered if I’m going to pay Ducati £475 for a new starter!
