Been in hospital for a couple of months well three and the bike was on the Data tool trickle charger. Just went out to turn it over and nothing. Charger showing maintain and absorb lights any ideas folks? Dash lights up and lights come on but just go dim when try to turn it over. Regards Steve
If you never mentioned the trickle charger, it would to me always point to a dead battery. Still worth testing it tbh.
Hi Mate just been back out to have another look and the mains on light is fine and the green maitain light is on. I thought the charger was supposed to indicate when the battery was malfunctioning. Hey ho fairing off once it warms up a bit. Hope to bump into you soon. We can swop AC and fridge stories Regards Steve
Steve, You answered your own question there...'supposed to'! Learnt very quickly assumption is the mother of all F$%k ups. Yes must meet up finally, will look forward to Poole Quay starting up again. Dave.
Second that - re: Poole and meeting up. I have missed 'fridgeman' from Ducatisti who still hasn't found this site as far as I know - had a 1098 and son had a Mito. also second what Dave has said Steve - I know those maintain gadget things are supposed to represent true 'armchair maintenance' but they can't detect everything that's going on within a battery just like a normal charger can't. If a battery decides to go partly open circuit as it fails then the indicator lights are tricked into thinking that it's fully charged. I'm no electrical wizzard by far but I do remember this bit.
How old's the battery?, I used my optimate on my aprilia on and off for 5 years but although all the correct lights were on eventually it wouldn't turn over, turned out there was one dead cell, new battery and perfect again, these trickle chargers extend a battery's life but the battery will still give up the ghost eventually.
steve Does sound like a nearly flat battery, but worth a quick check on the battery terminals to see that they are o.k ie no furring or corrosion showing, well worth quickly undoing the bolts to examine,as if they are not making 100% good connection it might give the symptoms you are experiencing. Next thing maybe see if you can jump start it if you have the leads and maybe a car battery, if it works o.k with a jump start then almost definitely your battery is flat or knackered. 5
Now then, optimates etc will give you "green light" so you think you are good to go but the green light can be misleading....had the same issue with my old ST, turned out the battery was goosed (seasonal pun intended) get a meter on it and if it dips below 10v when cranking then its time to invest in a new battery, if it won't crank then it is almost certainly a dud battery but worth checking battery wiring and connections, as to new battery yon yella ones Motobat? seem to get good reviews, but I bet they would crank faster if they were red!!! Iconic944(Frank) on this forum has negotiated ducati discount with a major supplier, I think 20%, so it would be worth dropping him a PM before purchase....
Thanks all. Yes as you say need to check battery voltage rather than rely on the battery charger. I think the battery is probably original so 5+ years old. Its cold in my garage so still playing on not being a well man angle for a reason not to get out there and get the fairing off. Cheers Twangobango as did not know about that possible 20% discount. Well worth knowing about. I think I have read on here it is worth upgrading the original battery. Any ideas upgrading to what? Regards Steve
Cheers as soon as I have checked it over will give him a call. Keep you all posted but think you are right with battery. Regards Steve
Right temperature has now gone up to a point where I can go out in the garage. Just measured the battery voltage at 13.5v after unplugged from charger. Will give it an hour and try again. No voltage from battery charger but if it is seeing 13.5v then it would not put out would it. Report back in an hour. Regards Steve
Well one hour later it shows 13.4v. All looks good at the battery terminals tight and still covered with grease so no corrosion. Give it another hour but I think the battery is OK. Anyone got any other ideas? Regards Steve
You mentioned in your first post: "Dash lights up and lights come on but just go dim when try to turn it over." Do the lights now come on and look bright? or do you have same symptoms? As XxAnthxX says could be starter motor knackered, or relay misbehaving! Earthing points on the engine and frame could be an issue here.
Not familiar with 1098s but if the bike has been standing for a while I would attempt to rock the bike back and forwards whilst in gear. presume your bike is in neutral when attempting to start? Also disengage clutch. Try talking to it encouragingly!
Well all sorted thanks folks but not sure what. Pushed it out of the garage and bumped it a bit nothing. Went up and down the gear box turned it on and hey presto fired up first time. Think the Basil threat may have frightend it. Will continue to check but no idea false neutral perhaps? I have never had one on this bike but everything else looks good. Try it again tomorrow. Many thanks for all the input. Regards Steve
