02-03-2017, 12:27 AM
(02-02-2017, 08:20 AM)curlyjoe_imp Wrote: Testing the battery with a standard voltmeter as a pre-ride check is something I wouldn't do on a regular basis since it's a pain to remove the seat and expose the battery. Popgun put me on to an [url=https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-081-0157-Disconnect-Voltage/dp/B00DJ5KE9A]nifty little digital voltmeter that plugs into a battery tender lead. Since it's much more convenient, I'm going to do a pre-ride check based on [url=http://www.yuasabatteries.com/faqs.php?action=1&id=30]recommendations from yuasa
Plug in the voltmeter and it should read 12.6-12.8 volts for a fully charged battery.
Turn on the ignition and press the starter. While the engine is cranking, the voltage should not drop below 9.5 volts. If it does, replace the battery.
While the engine is running, the voltage should be in the range of 13.8-14.5 volts to properly charge an AGM battery. This is a bit fuzzy to me since I would expect the voltage to be rpm dependent.
Thanks for that link, probably going to pick up that tester and a harness soon. Seems like a cheap way for peace of mind.
(02-02-2017, 12:11 PM)Flynrider_imp Wrote:(02-02-2017, 08:29 AM)Lord Popgun_imp Wrote: ...I would expect the voltage to be rpm dependent.
Thats why they invented voltage regulators
The regulator will try to keep the voltage as close to optimal as possible. The one fitted to the the CB1100 is quite good at this. I've measured mine with a voltmeter and it doesn't vary beyond 14.1 at idle to 14.3 at 5K rpm. That's way better than the regulator on my old CB750. It varies from 13.5 at idle to 14.7 at 5K rpm. The rate at 5K rpm is actually too high and it tends to boil the battery dry over the course of 6 months or so. I have to remember to refill the battery with distilled water every few months.
(02-02-2017, 01:55 AM)olekzap_imp Wrote: I'm coming up on about 2.5 years on my battery and this thread is making me wonder if it's going to die soon. For what it's worth I never planned to, but my CB ended up sitting from November until yesterday outside under a cover without being ridden once and without any treatment for the fuel. Yesterday I got it out and it started instantly twice as if it had been ridden yesterday. This makes me think the battery is still fine? Those of you who had to replace yours, how much warning did you have? I have AAA but not looking to get stranded anywhere but also don't want to spend the money replacing it if it's not really needed.
Mine died without warning, which appears to be typical for AGM type batteries. It started perfectly one day. I rode 5 miles, stopped for 5 min. and it was dead when I tried to restart. All of my previous flooded cell batteries died more slowly with plenty of warning.
The bright side is that although the battery won't crank the engine, it'll have plenty to run the ignition, lights and computer for a bump start. That's how I made it home.
Mine died without warning, which appears to be typical for AGM type batteries. It started perfectly one day. I rode 5 miles, stopped for 5 min. and it was dead when I tried to restart. All of my previous flooded cell batteries died more slowly with plenty of warning.
The bright side is that although the battery won't crank the engine, it'll have plenty to run the ignition, lights and computer for a bump start. That's how I made it home.
Good info, thanks. I will probably plan to replace soon just to be safe based on other's battery life in this thread.