Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Battery trouble Battery trouble
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Jan 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London,England
Posts: 358
Battery trouble
My bike is a 89 Yamaha XT600
I replaced the recitifier with a s/h Honda one about 6 weeks ago as bike would not turn over on starter if not used for a few days. Also replaced battery 3 weeks ago.
I am now in Morocco
Every thing has been fine untill yesterday when bike would not turn over fast enough to start,
Some one took a meter reading and battery was showing 13 + volts with engine not running, when pressing starter this figure drops to about 4 volts, got engine running and figure goes up to 14+ but no higher then 15 I was told every thing seems in order.
Then put a very little bit of distilled water in battery and it had enough power to turn over and start, it has been ok today but this evening it was slow to turn over and am worried it will give more problems.
I want to go to the desert, but not with this problem so any suggestions?
Could there be a problem with the starter motor jamming or something
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Jan 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: CapeBreton ,Canada
Posts: 73
The voltages seam ok, are there any accesiores that could be over loading the charging system? If not I'd check over the bat cables & connections aswell as the startor relay. It's possible the starter may need new brushes if it has a lot of miles on it.
__________________
Winston
85 xt600Z
02 YZ250
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Jan 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 212
Hi Bolla,

I would also check the thick wire that connects the engine to 0V.
I routed one wrongly on my XT600E when I put the engine back in the frame and the final drive chain cut through it on full rear suspension compression even though it appeared to be nowhere near it normally.
This resulted in similar problems to those you describe.

Good luck

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Jan 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London,England
Posts: 358
Thanks for replys
Bike started and ran fine allday today
I dont have any accesiores which could drain power but all my indicators have stopped working, could this be related to problem
Have checked wires and seem fine so am just hoping for the best
Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Jan 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: hampshire
Posts: 6
have you checked the amps draw on the starter motor circuit, poss starter motor problem.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Jan 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London,England
Posts: 358
Thanks for replys
dont know how to check the amps draw but will try and work it outwhen i get home.
I am now stuck in Andorra because of snow but would like to get a new battery while here.
What is the best battery
I was told a sealed battery but if I cant find a Yahusa any other good makes
Have seen other makes but made in China which I dont want.
thanks
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Jan 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 212
Hi Bolla,

I'm pretty sure that 'Seald for life' batteries are a different shape to the original type and so won't fit in your battery compartment.

Of course you could modify the compartment, but I'm not convinced that the sealed for life type are any real benefit. The only sure way that I know of to check a battery is to trickle charge it off the bike and then test each cell with a battery hydrometer.
You can't do this with a sealed for life.

If you are using a Honda regulator, does it have an additional 'voltage sense' wire. If so, are you aware that it needs connecting into the positive supply after the ignition switch.

Good luck

Mark
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:31.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top