More battery problems!

Chaps,

I see that there are numerous posts on this site about owners having battery problems with the Swing. I have just had one die on me (my bike is a 2009 model), but I have only just managed to start the bike this morning after fitting a new battery last Friday. Reading other owners comments, my afternoon commute takes place at a very slow pace and I wonder if the battery is getting much charge. I also notice problems if I stop a couple of times to run errands on the way home.

Have other owners noticed problems if the bike is used for short journeys?

I guess that I also probably need to take the bulb out from the underseat light as others have suggested!

or switch it (pun intended) and change the globe to LED

I have no probs with my 'Wing' (2009,) I tend not to do short journeys and when it's laid up, it is attached to one of those battery optimiser machines to maintain the battery when not in use.

The trunk light was removed long ago. If I need to see in the trunk in the dark I have one of those led lights on a key fob which is adequate for rummaging about.

I have to say it has been thought provoking all the talk of dodgy batteries, but, I put that down to new members with recent purchased Silver Wings. (When we buy a used machine we trust the previous owner has lavished care and attention on their ride.) Not necessarily true in the real world!!

Waspie wrote:

I have to say it has been thought provoking all the talk of dodgy batteries, but, I put that down to new members with recent purchased Silver Wings. (When we buy a used machine we trust the previous owner has lavished care and attention on their ride.) Not necessarily true in the real world!!

My 09 did the same thing. Bought it brand new from a powersports dealer however. My batt didn't die till i used the high beam, and the yuasa was dated 2008, so that may be the culprit.
Does anyone have the specs on the charging system?

Very, very bad, for life time of battery...
Letting voltage drop to low.

Often by dealer shop (not selled for long time) or by user in winter time.

My rule of thumb...

Monitor rest voltage.
Never let below 12.5 Volts.
--------------------------
Short trips are not a problem.
1; When charging system of the bike is OK.
For SW... about 14.5 volt idle.
2; When bike starts good ..<1 second.
-----------------------------

I have made a charger with a convertor of some old tool.
220 Volt to 15 Volt , 0.5 Ampere.
Wired to male plug for power outled in left storage.

I have a 2009 that I've had for 1 year (bought new), and so far, the battery has been strong. It has sat for as long as three weeks (vacation), and still started normally. However, this is starting to look like a trend, so I'll keep a close eye on it for signs of problems. Thanks for the warning...

Kim and I have 2005 models with original batteries in bikes.

This past winter was a long one for us with some surgeries, work and weather that kept us off the bikes. I do not use a battery minder. We have not had any problems with our batteries.

I just had the dealer put new Metezlewr feel free tires on yesterday. We talked a bit and he said that S'wings do not charge batteries up if they are low, so a charger would extend the life of the battery.
I just replaced mine a month ago.

MaxB

I have two 04 and one 06 Honda products with the original batteries. All three spend there down time on a Deltran Battery Tender.

The worst thing for a battery is discharge. Slow discharge is when sulfation occurs, and sulfation is what typically kills batteries that are used occasionally.
A good float charger will keep the battery fully charged preventing sulfation, but not apply enough voltage and current to overheat and boil off the electrolyte.
Repeat discharge / recharge cycles may slow sulfation compared to leaving the battery sit, but avoiding discharge completely is best.

I had a small incident with my battery going out on me 2 weeks after I got it. But it was a brand new, just "out of the box" 2007 with only 48.1 miles on it when we signed the papers, so I assume the battery was that old also. It did great until a few weeks after I got it. Dealer offered to replace it but they were out so they gave me a gel cel battery. No problems since. Oh, and DH did put a toggle switch on the light in the under-the-seat compartment so that it is on only when the lid is open AND the switch is in the "on" position. He said it was a very easy thing to do.

I am also having issues with my battery. Had this replacement for less that 2 years.
I hadn't been on in for 2-3 weeks and when I jumped on the other day it was dead, although it did try to turn over. I have read in the chats that disconnecting the underseat trunk light would help. This suggestion is telling me that the light is on even when the trunk is closed, that doesn't make sense to me. Could there also be some major battery drainage from the digital clock which is located on the dash. Would appreciate any advise. Thanks.

2007 Silverwing

Gypsy wrote:

This suggestion is telling me that the light is on even when the trunk is closed

If the latch is not fully engaged then yes ... so you are safer disconnecting the bulb.

I replaced the light with the Honda Acura light with the switch.

Gypsy wrote:

Could there also be some major battery drainage from the digital clock which is located on the dash.

From the clock no.

Can 't be the bulb in the trunk.
After 2 weeks , the battery is completely dead.

- There is some thing demanding current from the battery, with the ign.key off.
Can be a pain, even for a technician, to find.

Or.

- Bad battery.
To let check out by a dealer, probl for free.

Or.

- Bad alternator/regulator/
To monitor with a Voltmeter if engine is running.



Question...
Something changed on the scooter lately?
Maintenance?
Placed add on?

Eddy...I assume you've got European model...the power socket in the LH pocket is always live....do you have anything plugged in?

Rogerscoot...

I am not the one with battery troubles.

I am trying to help Gypsy.

I have a car battery on my Silverwing. I have found a slim + tall battery at Costco. It comes with a 5 year warranty. I have jumped 1 motorcycle and 2 cars with my bike.
You have two under the seat mounting options. Either at the bottom free standing or in the back anchored. Mine is up.

Slightly as an aside: do older Silverwings have lead/acid batteries? Mine's gel and is on its side.

My 2011 model has the battery upright set into the front left of the underseat compartment with a moulded cover

Mm. Perhaps I was disorientated and looking at it sideways.

x

Be sure to give the seat an extra "tap" at the rear after closing to be sure light switch is activated. If you just close the seat without the tap you will come out to a drained battery!

I have a 01 SW and have had battery problems.... however only in the Winter when I have let the bike stand for a few weeks without starting it.

I should point out that the problem has been quite erratic. For example on more than one occassion (during the Winter) I've been in to the garage to start and move the bike and after it starts and runs fine (for 30 secs or so) I can switch off the ignition and then the bike won't start again thereafter. It won't even turn over. The only way to get it going again is to charge the battery.

Thinking I had a dud battery I purchased a new one about a year back. But I've had the same issue last Winter.

The bike runs without problems in the summer, but I am using it every few days.

I stand corrected bigbird, the battery is indeed on it's side. I was quite relieved to see the words 'spill proof' !!!

I put a new battery (lead acid) on my 01 Swing when I bought it, 18 months ago. I often leave it for up to 6 weeks without starting and it starts first time, every time. I removed the underseat light bulb as soon as I got the Swing as I have had problems in the past with scooter underseat lights. Imo, a bulb left on for 2 weeks under the seat will definitely flatten a battery.
In the winter, I often only use the scoot to ride 2 miles to the shops and back and have never had a battery problem.

wingnprayer, if she starts and then 30 seconds later won't, I think you must have an intermittent earth (ground) problem?

x

Wait a sec- can you use a lead acid battery in this position? Won't the battery acid leak out since it is sideways? Isn't that why the bike comes with an AGM battery from the factory?

Jesse

x

They are all lead-acid battery's for mc's.

The difference is the stuff between the lead plates.

- Liquid acid.
Needs maintenance. ( adding water )
Fill holes always upright.

- Gel

- Type of glas fiber (AGM)

Gel and AGM can used on it's side.
No maintenance needed.No fill holes.

Mine is the Yuasa YTZ12S.
AGM i think.

The Voltage regulator of the Silverwing is designed for that type.

I don't think replacing with the liquid type is good idea.


Eddy.

x

It was the recommended Yuasa battery I fitted. The point I was trying to make was that my Swing starts on the button even after long periods of standing, but I appreciate the info guys.

Have a question related to this thread. Did not want to start a new thread just for this.

I have a battery speed charger maintainer. It has the 6 and 12 volt setting. 1.5 amp unit. It is a,
Schumacher-SEM-1562A-Speed-Charge-Maintainer

When I put it on a battery it will read "Charging" unitl fully charged. Then it will read charged.

My question is can I leave it on as a maintainer or will leaving it on over charge the battery?

As for this thread I would suggest always removintg the bettery in cold winter and storing it in a closet. If you want to ride on a clean day in winter with no ice on the roads then you just slap the battery in.

Mike

You can leave the battery on if you like. It will cycle around. It will use the electricity a little than it will charge it. It does that automatically. If you do take the battery out , whatever you do don't leave it on the ground. It will drain it very fast. Cant explain why but It does.
I am going to post a picture of my car battery on the Silverwing. It works great and I don't have any problems with the battery. Plus it has 5 years warranty compare with the 3 months on the bike battery.
Good luck

Oh ya I hear never leave a batter on the Cement or pavement. I put mine on a box in the closet for winter. I've had the cold, Zero and above kill a battery.

Never on the floor?

It's a story from the time when the battery containers are made from wood and tar.
Chemical reaction with the cement/concrete and absorbing moist from the floor.
Now it's plastic.
You can store the battery on the floor.

Keeping warm?

No.
Self discharging / sulfating are chemical processes.
Cool is better for avoiding that.

Most important case is to keep the battery charged.
Can easy suffer -15 F deg.

Eddy

I don't mean to say the battery needs to be kept warm. The Closet can get 45 degrees when we are at work and the heat is off. I mean below Zero to 25 degrees killed my battery. It was not the strongest battery and I am sure that it was only finished off but I got almost 3 years out of the last one by keeping it out of the extreme cold.

bigbird wrote:

Never install a lead-acid battery on its side. It WILL leak.
An AGM (absorbed glass mat) has no liquid electrolyte and can be installed in any orientation you want, including upside down.

If you want real light weight and the latest technology, look at a Li-Fe battery, made by Shorai.

Here's where I got mine. I went with the 18AH instead of the stock 12AH.

http://www.twfracing.com/shorai.html

AtBatt has them for $168 shipped.
http://www.atbatt.com/product/24415.asp?utm_source=frog&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=textlink-power-sport-batteries&utm_campaign=frog1&utm_term=LFX18A1-BS12

x

http://www.rocketmoto.com/index.php/products/batteries/shorai-extreme-rate-lfx-lithium-battery.html

Special Price: $169.95

PLUS additional ADVrider discount

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=431761

www.RocketMoto.com
8% Inmate discount for online orders - PM us for your discount code.

x

bigbird wrote:

Tagg wrote:

AtBatt has them for $168 shipped.
http://www.atbatt.com/product/24415.asp?utm_source=frog&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=textlink-power-sport-batteries&utm_campaign=frog1&utm_term=LFX18A1-BS12

Something is wrong with that ad. The model # suggests it's an 18AH version, but his description calls it first a 12AH equivalent and then a 14AH version. I bought the same model Shorai, and it was definitely an 18AH version. Very confusing.

Hey, your right it does! But the part number is right with the Shorai website, so there probably cutting and pasting descriptions. Im still gettin' one. Did you get the charger? any problems or anything since you installed it?

x

honda_silver wrote:

http://www.rocketmoto.com/index.php/products/batteries/shorai-extreme-rate-lfx-lithium-battery.html

Special Price: $169.95

PLUS additional ADVrider discount

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=431761

www.RocketMoto.com
8% Inmate discount for online orders - PM us for your discount code.

Plus $13.13 for shipping $183.08
I still like $168 shipped

So what model of Shorai battery do I want for a Silver Wing? Do I need to buy a special charger for it or will the one I got work? (I am guessing no)

Mike

x

I bought a 04 silverwing last August. This winter the I took it out when the weather got to 0' and when I put it back in I had nothing no lights, nothing on the dashboard lite up. So thinking the battery was bad I bought a new one and when I put it in nothing no lights no dashboard nothing at all. I check the voltage on the new one and it shows a full charge. I check all the fuses and all were good. Anybody got any ideas?? Any info would be appreciated.
Harry Klawitter

harrydo wrote:

Anybody got any ideas?? Harry Klawitter

How about a proper Introduction post to the forum, that would be appreciated too.

Did you checked the MAIN fuse ?
Only reachable by taking off the left plastic pannel.
( the one with the key hole for opening the trunk)

When the Main fuse is indeed blown, i think you did things wrong during take out- (or in) the battery.

CHECK the POLARITY !!!

Or better, ask a technician to help you.


Eddy

Thanks Eddy
I have the cover off but couldn't locate the fuse you are talking about. I hope it is the fuse.
Thanks again,
Harry

Harry,

The link brings you to a "how to" from Dennis on this forum.

Read carefully his point (statement) 8 .

https://www.silverwing600.com/t1010-left-rear-cover-removal-pictorial-main-fuse-access

Eddy

Hard to tell if the under seat compartment light is on when the seat is closed...than use a camera. Set it on time exposure and make sure the flash is shut off and set the lens at Macro. Needless to tell the rest of course a digital camera is best!