Posts: 73
Threads: 11
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Mar 2017
I installed a battery tender on my bike about 2 weeks ago. I haven't ridden the bike since I installed it. I went out just now to go for a ride and the battery is dead...at least that's what I'm thinking. The gauges cycle and the lights turn on when I turn the ignition, but it won't start. I just get that "click, click, click."
I'm charging the battery now, so hopefully that's the only problem.
My question is: is it expected for the battery to die if the bike sits for two weeks? This seems a little strange to me, but I thought you wise folks might have some input.
Do you keep your battery on a charger regularly?
Thanks!
2013 Honda CB1100
Posts: 3,454
Threads: 129
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jul 2015
A good battery shouldn't die if left unattended for two weeks -- or even two months. Either yours is a goner or something is discharging it while the bike is turned off. If it's the original 2013 battery and had never been on a tender until now, it was probably due for replacement.
I keep all of my bikes on battery tenders when not ridden and usually get about 8 years of battery life.
Posts: 73
Threads: 11
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Mar 2017
Thanks, LongRanger. I left the kill switch to ON. Aside from that, I'm not sure what could have drained it.
I'm not sure if it's the original. I bought the bike used about 2 months ago.
2013 Honda CB1100
Posts: 73
Threads: 11
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Mar 2017
Battery charged. Bike is running. Ride took place. And all is right with the world.
2013 Honda CB1100
Posts: 139
Threads: 0
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: May 2013
I also use a battery tender on my 2013 standard. Consider a multi-meter to check your battery's charge in addition to the green light on the tender. I had symptoms similar to your click start and my battery just went kaput. Went out and bought an agm and bike starts up great! 5-6 years time to replace it. When they go, they just go. Enjoy your CB! Russ
Posts: 16,206
Threads: 344
Likes Received: 756 in 419 posts
Likes Given: 875
Joined: Apr 2025
chandler, leaving the kill switch on will make no difference. Keep an eye on it. As LongRanger says, if its the original battery it could well be kaput,
Posts: 23,428
Threads: 697
Likes Received: 511 in 233 posts
Likes Given: 666
Joined: Apr 2025
If you put a battery tender lead on, make sure you got your battery bolts tight.
Just in case do you know how to bump start your bike?
Posts: 998
Threads: 62
Likes Received: 46 in 18 posts
Likes Given: 8
Joined: Dec 2013
There's a thread I started on this forum about battery life, maybe you can check it out?
Posts: 73
Threads: 11
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Mar 2017
(05-10-2017, 08:36 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: If you put a battery tender lead on, make sure you got your battery bolts tight.
Just in case do you know how to bump start your bike?
I checked the connections earlier and they look tight.
Funny enough, I watched 2 YouTube videos yesterday about how to bump start a bike. I thought about trying it but I was short on time.
I'm thinking it might be wise to go ahead and replace the battery. The AMG battery threads are convincing me.
2013 Honda CB1100
Posts: 2,757
Threads: 26
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Mar 2014
At the risk of repeating what has been said many times, batteries in hotter climates have a much shorter life than those that live in cooler climates.
Up here in Eskimo land I easily get 7-8 years out of a battery.
I think you are wise to bite the bullet and buy a new battery. At least then you will know when it was new and can expect a few good years from it.
