Weak battery

Bluto

Joined Aug 2005

204 Posts | 15+

The Netherlands

Discussion Starter
• Oct 6, 2005

• #1

My FS650E which is a 2004 model,is hard to start after only 7 hours on the clock.
It seems the battery is to weak because sometimes the starter can't even get the engine revelate one rotation because of the compression.I thought the 2004 models had an improved stronger battery but is it still to weak?
I tried driving with lights off but after 25 km.it still isn't fully charged.(I always start the engine with lights off)
Maybe spraying the electrical cables with silicone spray may cause the sparkplug(wire)to act strange?
Any info would be great,otherwise the bike is running great.

 

husabutt

Joined Feb 2003

3K Posts | 384+

Escondido, Ca. USA

• Oct 6, 2005

• #2

You must (or really should ) keep your battery connected to a charger between rides. The Optimate 3 is a three step charger and is the way to go.

I would get a new battery and fully charge it on the Optimate. Due to battery memory if you don't take it up to a full 13.5 volts the very first time it may never accept a full charge due to battery memory.

The YTZ is a good battery but if you let it sit around and discharge, there is a point where it will not ever charge properly again.

I've learned my lesson and own 3 Optimate chargers

An expensive lesson indeed.

 

Ady

Joined Nov 2004

336 Posts | 0+

North England (Hull)

• Oct 6, 2005

• #3

Bluto
Battery is usually the main cause as Hussabut has pointed out.
In order to keep the battery small and light, they have to be working at full efficiency. If yours isn't or your engine has maybe 'tightened up' a little, you can always hit the button whilst 'fettling' the manual decomp lever.
Despite the 03 onwards starters claiming to work hot or cold, i would only use them when the engine's fully warm.
Last point; 5 - 50 W engine oil may help.

Regards
Ady

 

berger

Joined Apr 2002

3K Posts | 11+

Phoenix Arizona

• Oct 6, 2005

• #4

I have had the problem with my 04 since day one. I just cheat it by pulling in the decompression lever until it starts spinning and then release the lever. I dont have an answer for you, but I feel it is an issue with the auto decompression device. I have just not felt the need to remove the rocker cover to inspect it yet.
My issue is not so much the battery is low. The starter sprag will acually slip due to what seems to be too much compression. I had the sprag replaced at about 3 hours and it did not change a thing.

 

Bluto

Joined Aug 2005

204 Posts | 15+

The Netherlands

Discussion Starter
• Oct 9, 2005

• #5

I checked my Voltage of my battery after a 150 kilometre drive,and it was only 12,7 Volts...
Is it charging right?I contacted my dealer and he tolled me to charge the battery and see what happens in the next week.It is a Yuasa YTZ-7S battery btw.but you Bergheads probably all know.
And yes I use Putoline Syntec 4+ 5W50 oil.
Keep you informed about thing to happen.

PS.Yesterday did a trip with 2 racebikes.(Yamaha R1 and a Honda VTR)and they where amazed by my Berg.Hardly could keep up with me in corners :twisted:

 

B

BundyBear

Joined Apr 2003

1K Posts | 3+

Newcastle, NSW, Australia

• Oct 10, 2005

• #6

Bluto
What voltage do you measure acrocc the battery with the engine running about half speed? If the voltage is higher than that with the engine stopped (approx 13.8 to 14.2 volts) it is charging.

 

B

BrianSM

Joined Dec 2004

289 Posts | 0+

Seattle, WA

• Oct 12, 2005

• #7

Bluto my Batt volts are about the same as yours when the bike has sat for a couple days...12.4 to 12.8

 

B

BundyBear

Joined Apr 2003

1K Posts | 3+

Newcastle, NSW, Australia

• Oct 12, 2005

• #8

Measuring the terminal voltage after the battery has been at rest awile is the way you are supposed to tell how charged up of these absorbed electrolyte batteries are.

Does anyone have a "terminal voltage versus charge percentage" table handy or know the exact voltages offhand? I can remember them printed on a sheet in the box when you buy a new battery. There is only about a volt difference between flat & full charged, and a flat battery's voltage is marginally higher than 12V.

If I can find my sheet I'll try to post them. I'm pretty sure this was done, but it was before the "Big Crash of 2004".

 

L

LeFrog

Joined Mar 2005

3K Posts | 3+

Mesa, AZ

• Oct 12, 2005

• #9

Bluto said:

I checked my Voltage of my battery after a 150 kilometre drive,and it was only 12,7 Volts...
Is it charging right?I contacted my dealer and he tolled me to charge the battery and see what happens in the next week.It is a Yuasa YTZ-7S battery btw.but you Bergheads probably all know.
And yes I use Putoline Syntec 4+ 5W50 oil.
Keep you informed about thing to happen.

PS.Yesterday did a trip with 2 racebikes.(Yamaha R1 and a Honda VTR)and they where amazed by my Berg.Hardly could keep up with me in corners :twisted:

Click to expand...

It's the right battery and the voltage is right as well. I would be worried if it was lower than 12, close to 11.

An Optimate charger is a bit of an investment but it keeps your battery running nice, so I would not be worried.

It's just the old Husaberg hard start issue and, well, welcome to the club.

 

BM36

Joined Sep 2005

18 Posts | 0+

Sweden

• Nov 3, 2005

• #10

Add a second battery under the seat and run the e-starter 24 V. All problems solved.
Works fine on my 03 650 with even weaker e-starter

 

L

LeFrog

Joined Mar 2005

3K Posts | 3+

Mesa, AZ

• Nov 3, 2005

• #11

And if you burn the starter you can always get one on eBay for a few bucks

 

Bluto

Joined Aug 2005

204 Posts | 15+

The Netherlands

Discussion Starter
• Nov 3, 2005

• #12

Got myself an Optimate 3,as recomended .
Works like a charm now.
Thanks guys!