New Battery or charge/tend old

[satchit]

I've had my CB1100 for just over 5 years now. I primarily used it to commute to work. I've been working from home for some months now, and only take short rides(~10 mins) on the weekends.
The bike hesitated to start last weekend - but did start. It did not start today and the clock was reset. I charged the battery(took less than an hour) - and the bike started and I took it for a short ride.
The questions I have are...
1. Are my short rides causing the battery to lose charge?
2. If the answer to question 1 is yes - would I see the same behavior if I put in a new battery?

I do not know when my work situation will change - so am wondering whether I should get a new battery or just charge/tend the old one.

[Houtman_imp]

Play it safe and buy a new batterie , OEM Yuasa made in Japan are the best.

[Rocky_imp]

Five years is a long time in your warm climate.
I agree, get a new battery.

[satchit]

for the replies.

Any recommendations for online sellers of the oem YTZ14S? Looking at the other posts on the topic I'm wary of picking up a non-japanese one.

I found [url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024VFY86/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A17WVCKSHX0ZX6&psc=1]this on amazon. Though amazon says it won't fit the 14 CB1100, I'm pretty sure this is the right one.

Will also check with local dealers tomorrow.

[max]

Sachit i agree with the above advice, when the bike idles it just about keeps the battery charged with the electronics and lights going, it rapidly charges when the bike is running faster than idle, the charging system is well designed.

Normally a 10 minute trip per week should be enough to recharge a battery which is in good condition, however it would be better in that situation if the battery was maintained with a trickle charger from time to time

In the past i have found that if you look at the green neutral light when the starter motor is activated and it goes out or dims considerably there is not enough capacity in the battery left, normally it dims somewhat but if it goes out in normal use during a start it's time for the battery to be replaced.

If the starter motor is reluctant to spin the crankshaft and takes longer than normal to spin the engine over it puts additional strain on the starter gears and starter clutch, there is also less energy available for the ignition coils and other parts to do their job.

If the clock resets ( good info, thank you ) that means the 12v supply dipped and was not enough to keep the electronics going in the instrument cluster, if the trip meter reset also it means the e.c.u. had the same low voltage dropout and was unable to provide spark and injector pulses for the engine to operate.

And you are correct, this battery will fit in your bike as per the manual ( thanks for the link ) and is the best option for you, you can double check the dimensions if you want and remember, disconnect negative battery connection first when disconnecting and last when re-connecting, why?; it is perfectly safe to touch the frame of the bike with the negative pole, not so with the positive pole with the battery connected.

[the Ferret]

Yep why get stuck, which would happen eventually.Replace it now and I agree with getting another OEM Japanese battery even if they are more expensive

[Houtman_imp]

I bought my Yuasa OEM batterie from Southern Powersport in Chattanooga , about $ 200 including shipping.

[whizzle_dizzler_imp]

PM'ed ya