Battery Issue

[RocketDaryl]

I think Bear Claw is the right forum; says "general discussion on Rockets and "other" motorcycles".

1. I'm having a battery issue with my Tiger and just want to confirm (as much as possible on a forum) my thinking. The battery reads about 14.5 volts on my multi-meter when running so I think the charging system is fine. However, I can leave it on the battery tender for 24 hrs and yet a couple of days later the thing will barely turn over (not enough to start it). I'm thinking it's just the battery. Do you fellas concur?

2. The battery sits on its side in the Tiger so I'm guessing I can't just put any old battery in there? Example, the batteries used in my commercial mowers come with the acid in a separate plastic container and you just remove the foil and pop it down on the battery until the contents are emptied into the battery and then the battery is mounted vertical under the seat. That type battery wouldn't work on the Tiger would it? Wouldn't the liquid leak out?

p.s. the bike is about 2.5 years old and the battery is the original.

Thanks!

 

[tdragger]

Wow, I've never heard of a battery mounted on its side. And, no, a regular lead-acid battery is a no-go.

I would suggest a Scorpion AGM battery. 2008 Triumph 1050cc Sprint ST, Speed Triple, Tiger Motorcycle Replacement Batteries

 

[RocketDaryl]

Cool, thanks!

 

[Molinoman]

Daryl...it's good to see that you are thinking of riding again...miss you around these parts.

I think I heard a peep from Dave this past week on this site...so he must still be alive.

Dennis

 

[GPMAZ]

Seeing as your summers are similar to ours, its not unheard of here for a battery to die an early death from heat. Before you spend the money you could pull it out and get it tested, but likely its done.

That said, I did recently have a Battery Tender go bad. Everything looked fine, but it was draining the battery. The battery was only 6 months old, so I figured it was probably good. Got a new charger and everything was fine.

 

[RocketDaryl]

I have two battery tenders and tried both so I doubt it's the tender. I'm thinking battery.

 

[Triple Trouble]

As you are getting 14.5 volts when running the charging system appears to be okay. I would check that nothing is drawing the battery down. Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery and set a multimeter to amps. There should be zero amps between the battery terminal and the cable. Does the Tiger have a clock?

 

[RocketDaryl]

Yes, it has a clock.

 

[Triple Trouble]

Maybe if the battery is getting tired the draw from the clock may be enough for it not to start after a few days.

 

[KingOfFleece]

Get the battery load-tested to be sure.